Public utilities: other; use of revenues as donation to a 501(c)(4) that engages in campaign or lobbying activities; prohibit. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 6aa.
Impact
If enacted, HB5521 would significantly modify state laws related to campaign finance, particularly how utilities interact with political entities. The bill establishes clear limitations on the financial engagement of utilities with organizations that are involved in political campaigning. This is expected to affect not only the utilities but also candidates and political organizations that previously received funding from these sources, leading to a tighter grip on how political campaigns can be funded in relation to utility company interests.
Summary
House Bill 5521 aims to amend the regulation of public utilities in Michigan by introducing restrictions on the donations and contributions made by electric and natural gas utilities. Specifically, the bill prohibits these utilities from making donations to certain tax-exempt organizations (501(c)(4) and 527 organizations) that are connected to state political candidates or officials. This change is intended to enhance transparency in campaign financing and prevent potential conflicts of interest where utilities could influence political decisions through financial contributions.
Contention
The bill has sparked a debate among lawmakers and stakeholders. Proponents argue that restricting utility donations is essential for reducing undue influence in the political process and enhancing accountability. They contend that this will create a fairer political playing field. However, opponents raise concerns that such regulations could limit the support available to various political campaigns, which might have implications for grassroots movements and local initiatives. There is fear that the bill might inhibit the free exchange of ideas and support that often comes from political donations and contributions.
Provisions
An important provision of HB5521 includes penalties for violations of these donation restrictions, imposing fines of 5 to 10 times the amount of any prohibited donation made by utilities. This is intended to enforce compliance and deter utilities from engaging in politically motivated contributions that could undermine public trust in the electoral process. The bill also clarifies definitions related to candidates and political entities to ensure effective implementation.
Public utilities: other; use of revenues as donation to a 501(c)(4) that engages in campaign or lobbying activities; prohibit. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 6bb. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4381'25
Public utilities: other; certain money spent by electric or natural gas utilities; require to be reported to the public service commission. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 6aa.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; certain donations by a contractor or prospective contractor under state contract; prohibit. Amends 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.201 - 169.282) by adding sec. 30a.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; certain donations by a contractor or prospective contractor under state contract; prohibit. Amends 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.201 - 169.282) by adding sec. 30a.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; contributions to political action committees by utility companies; prohibit. Amends 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.201 - 169.282) by adding sec. 30a.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; contributions to political action committees by utility companies; prohibit. Amends 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.201 - 169.282) by adding sec. 30a.
Labor: organizations; labor organization's use of dues or fees for a political purpose; prohibit unless authorized by the employee. Amends 1939 PA 176 (MCL 423.1 - 423.30) by adding sec. 8a.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; use of campaign funds to pay for child care expenses; allow. Amends secs. 3, 6 & 9 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.).
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; use of campaign funds to pay for child care expenses; allow. Amends secs. 3, 6 & 9 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.).
Public utilities: other; certain money spent by electric or natural gas utilities; require to be reported to the public service commission. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 6aa.
Public utilities: other; use of revenues as donation to a 501(c)(4) that engages in campaign or lobbying activities; prohibit. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 6bb. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4381'25
Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for campaign finance violations; provide for. Amends sec. 11e, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.11e). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4271'25
Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for campaign finance violations; modify. Amends sec. 11e, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.11e). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5141'23
Labor: public service employment; bargaining representative's use of dues or fees for a political purpose; prohibit unless authorized by the public employee. Amends 1947 PA 336 (MCL 423.201 - 423.217) by adding sec. 10a.
Labor: organizations; labor organization's use of dues or fees for a political purpose; prohibit unless authorized by the employee. Amends 1939 PA 176 (MCL 423.1 - 423.30) by adding sec. 8a.
Economic development: Michigan strategic fund; research and development tax credit program report; require the Michigan strategic fund to assist in its preparation. Amends sec. 9 of 1984 PA 270 (MCL 125.2009).
Campaign finance: committees; prohibition on certain candidate committee expenditures and disbursements; create exception. Amends sec. 44 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.244). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0613'23, SB 0614'23, SB 0615'23