Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB4271

Introduced

3/19/25

Refer

3/19/25

Caption

Campaign finance: committees; independent committees by certain candidates considered 1 committee for certain purposes; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.201 - 169.282) by adding sec. 27.

Impact

The impact of HB4271 is primarily structural, as it will affect the manner in which independent committees are regulated under state law. By categorizing all independent committees established or controlled by a candidate as one entity, the bill aims to streamline the contributions process and ensure that limits are observed uniformly across all affiliated committees. This could lead to greater accountability in campaign finance, allowing for more straightforward monitoring of financial activities related to election campaigns.

Summary

House Bill 4271 proposes to amend the Michigan Campaign Finance Act by introducing a new section that treats all independent committees connected to a candidate for the Michigan legislature as a single independent committee for certain regulatory purposes. This legislation aims to simplify the oversight of campaign contributions by consolidating the various committees that a candidate may control, which supporters argue will enhance transparency and prevent the circumvention of contribution limits associated with fundraising activities.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB4271 arise from concerns about the implications of such consolidation. Critics may view the measure as a means to limit the diverse funding sources candidates can access by effectively capping the total contributions allowable through multiple committees. Additionally, there could be opposition based on the enforcement of felony penalties for violations of the new section, with opponents arguing that the bill may impose excessive penalties for what they consider minor infractions within the campaign financing landscape.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MI HB5580

Campaign finance: public disclosure; financial reporting requirement for political nonprofits; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.201 - 169.282) by adding sec. 29a.

MI SB0615

Campaign finance: committees; prohibition on certain candidate committee expenditures and disbursements; create exception. Amends 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.201 - 169.282) by adding sec. 44a. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0613'23, SB 0616'23, SB 0614'23

MI HB5275

MI HB4334

Individual income tax: credit; tax incentive for contributions made to certain ballot and candidate committees; provide for. Amends 1967 PA 281 (MCL 206.1 - 206.847) by adding sec. 280.

MI HB5520

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.

MI SB0655

Campaign finance: other; certain campaign contribution limits; reduce. Amends secs. 52, 52a & 69 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.252 et seq.) & repeals sec. 46 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.246).

MI SB0616

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

MI HB5274

MI HB5975

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.

MI HB4587

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; exemption of a labor organization; prohibit under certain circumstances. Amends 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.201 - 169.282) by adding sec. 54a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4234'23

Similar Bills

NJ AR96

Changes membership of Budget and Labor Committees; clarifies that bill or resolution may be listed on committee agenda for purposes of amendment.

MI HB4326

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.

MI HB4870

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.

MN HC6

A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.