Michigan Bill Shifts Campaign Finance Violations Involving the Secretary of State to the Attorney General

Original title: Campaign finance: violations; authority of the attorney general's office to resolve violations involving the secretary of state; provide for.

Last action · June 12, 2025: REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS AND ETHICSSponsors: Jonathan Lindsey and 7 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

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Floor Vote

Passed

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What This Bill Would Do

Senate Bill 422 requires the secretary of state to refer campaign finance complaints involving the secretary of state, their immediate family, or a connected campaign directly to the attorney general for investigation and resolution. The measure outlines specific procedures for the attorney general to investigate, use informal methods, commence hearings, or enforce penalties.

Why it matters

The measure alters oversight authority for state-level campaign finance complaints by removing the secretary of state from investigating cases involving themselves or their own campaigns, transferring those duties to the attorney general.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Secretary of State

Must refer complaints involving themselves, their family, or their campaigns to the attorney general and follow updated statutory procedures.

Directly affected

Attorney General

Must investigate and resolve campaign finance matters referred by the secretary of state according to statutory procedures.

Directly affected

Complainants

Subject to civil liability and potential cost-recovery penalties if they file complaints with false certifications.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when a campaign finance complaint involves the secretary of state?

The secretary of state must refer the matter to the attorney general to determine whether a violation occurred.

Can the attorney general enforce criminal penalties immediately for non-felony violations?

No, for non-felony violations, the attorney general must first attempt to resolve the matter using informal methods such as a conference, conciliation, or persuasion.

What are the consequences of filing a false certificate on a complaint?

A person who files a complaint with a false certificate is responsible for a civil violation and may be required to pay administrative and legal expenses incurred by the state or the accused person.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

2 actions

Jun 12, 2025SenateCommittee
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS AND ETHICS
Jun 12, 2025SenateIntroduced
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JONATHAN LINDSEY

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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