Legislature: reports; racial impact statement; require on all proposed legislation. Amends sec. 602 of 1986 PA 268 (MCL 4.1602).
One of the key elements of HB5015 is its focus on assessing the likelihood of proposed legislation having a racially or ethnically disparate impact. The bill mandates that any legislation involving critical areas such as criminal justice, health care, education, and economic stability undergo a specific analysis to determine its potential effects on various racial or ethnic groups. This analysis aims to foster equitable legislation and ensure that the potential adverse effects of certain laws are explicitly highlighted and understood during the legislative process.
House Bill 5015 proposes a significant amendment to the Legislative Council Act by introducing a requirement for fiscal analysis on all proposed bills scheduled for hearings. This includes a summary of changes to existing laws, estimates of the financial impacts on governmental revenues and expenditures, and evaluations of any potential effects on federal funding. This bill seeks to enhance transparency within the legislative process by ensuring that lawmakers and the public are informed about the implications of proposed legislation before it moves forward in the legislative process.
Opposition to HB5015 may emerge from concerns regarding the additional bureaucratic requirements it imposes. Critics argue that mandating a fiscal analysis for each piece of legislation may lead to delays in the legislative process. Additionally, some legislators could be apprehensive about the implications of the racially disparate impact assessments, as they might be seen as subjective or prone to bias, potentially complicating the legislative debate.
The introduction of fiscal analyses alongside an emphasis on understanding the broader implications of legislation represents a notable shift toward a more conscientious and informed legislative environment. HB5015 has the potential to encourage lawmakers to consider the broader societal impacts of their legislative decisions, ultimately aiming to create a more equitable framework for governance.