Michigan House Bill HB4480

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/8/25
• Refer: 5/8/25

Caption

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.).

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 4480 have potential implications for broader campaign finance laws in Michigan by redefining permissible expenditures for candidates and their committees. This could enable more candidates, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities, to participate actively in elections without the financial constraints that childcare can create. The bill addresses an important aspect of inclusivity in political participation, ensuring that caregiving responsibilities do not limit an individual's ability to run for office or engage in campaign efforts.

Summary

House Bill 4480 amends the Michigan Campaign Finance Act (1976 PA 388) to explicitly permit campaign funds to be utilized for childcare expenses. This bill introduces the definition of 'caregiving expenses', allowing public officials and candidates to use campaign funds to cover direct care costs for children or individuals with disabilities for whom they have caregiving responsibilities. The significance of this amendment is in its aim to alleviate financial burden on candidates and public officials, acknowledging the challenges associated with balancing caregiving responsibilities and public duties while engaging in political activities.

Contention

Notably, the introduction of this bill may evoke discussions among stakeholders in the political and campaign finance arenas. Opponents might raise concerns about the potential for misuse of campaign funds and whether this amendment could set a precedent for further extensions of permissible expenditures, undermining the original intentions of campaign finance regulations. Supporters of the bill, however, may argue that this is a crucial step towards making running for office more accessible and equitable for those who are caregivers.