Michigan Senate Bill SB0529

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/4/25
• Refer: 9/4/25
• Report Pass: 9/11/25
• Refer: 9/11/25
• Report Pass: 9/17/25

Caption

Elections: campaign practices; individual circulating a petition; prohibit from being paid for each petition signature collected, and require petition circulators to be paid an hourly wage. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding secs. 483b, 544g, 590i & 957a.

Impact

The enactment of SB0529 is likely to have a significant impact on how petition circulation is conducted across Michigan. By shifting the compensation model from a per-signature payment to an hourly wage, this bill may reduce the pressures that circulators face to obtain signatures quickly, thereby focusing more on thoroughness and adherence to legal standards. Additionally, this change could provide varying outcomes for different organizations that rely on petition drives, possibly influencing their strategies and resource allocations.

Summary

Senate Bill 0529 seeks to amend the Michigan election law with specific provisions regarding the compensation of individuals who circulate petitions. The bill introduces sections that prohibit payment structures based on fixed rates for each signature collected on various types of petitions, including nominating and recall petitions. Instead, it mandates that circulators must be compensated through an hourly wage, aiming to prevent any potential incentive structures that could undermine the integrity of the petition process. This change is part of broader efforts to address fair practices in political campaigning and election processes in Michigan.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB0529 include concerns from advocacy groups who argue that the hourly wage requirement may limit the number of willing circulators, particularly in competitive political climates where significant campaign resources are allocated for petitioning efforts. Conversely, supporters believe that this measure is essential to enhancing transparency and ethical standards in campaign practices. They argue that this will help eliminate the possibility of fraud or manipulation associated with the former compensation method, thus fostering trust in the election process.