INCUMBENT JUDGE AND JUSTICE

CAMPAIGN FINANCE STATEMENTS

House Bills 4596 & 4597 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Lisa Posthumus Lyons

Committee:  Elections

Complete to 5-19-15

SUMMARY:

The bills would amend two sections of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to assume automatic compliance with a provision of the law that allows the campaign treasurers of incumbent judges or justices (both elected and appointed) to file a written statement that indicates a judge's campaign committee does not expect to receive or spend more than $1,000 for an election.

Now under the law, when filing a statement of organization, a campaign committee (other than an independent committee, a political committee, or a political party committee) may indicate in a written statement, signed by the committee treasurer, that the committee does not expect to receive or spend more than $1,000 (for each election). If more money is spent, campaign finance reporting requirements apply.

Under the bills, the campaign treasurer of an incumbent judge or justice would not be required to file this written statement, but the statement would be considered to have been filed. The two bills amend separate sections of the Campaign Finance Act and are tie-barred, meaning neither can take effect unless both are enacted.

MCL 169.224 & 169.233

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bills would not have a fiscal impact on state or local government.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Perry Zielak

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.