STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR

CAMPAIGN FINANCE ACT VIOLATIONS

Senate Bill 1249 as enrolled

Sponsor:  Sen. David Robertson

House Committee:  Elections and Ethics

Senate Committee:  Elections and Government Reform

Complete to 2-4-19                                                                  (Vetoed by the Governor 12-28-18)

SUMMARY:

Senate Bill 1249 would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to institute a statute of limitations (SOL) for charging a person for a violation of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. It would provide that an indictment for a violation could be found and filed within five years after the offense was committed. Currently, unless another SOL is specified, the default period is six years. 

MCL 767.24

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or local units of government.

Vetoed 12-28-18:

In his veto message, Governor Snyder wrote that “[s]hortening the statute of limitations for a campaign finance violation from six years to five years results in minimal to no functional change.” 

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Jenny McInerney

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Michael Cnossen

■ 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.