Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
COUNTY SHERIFF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
House Bill 4981 (H-1) as reported from committee
Analysis available at
Sponsor: Rep. Brian BeGole http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Committee: Elections
Complete to 10-25-23
SUMMARY:
House Bill 4981 would amend the Michigan Election Law to require an individual to meet one
or both of the following qualifications in order to be eligible for election as a county sheriff:
• The individual has been a licensed law enforcement officer under the Michigan
Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Act for at least five years.
• The individual has been employed by a county sheriff in a local correctional facility as
a corrections officer, supervisor, or administrator for at least five years and has been
certified by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC).
Current officeholders would be exempt from these requirements.
MCL 168.191
BRIEF DISCUSSION:
Supporters of the bill argue that eligibility requirements are necessary to ensure that a county
sheriff is prepared for their many responsibilities, as there often is not time for on-the-job
training. The bill would ensure that sheriffs have experience in the field and an understanding
of public safety protocols.
Opponents argue that it should be left to the voters to determine whether a candidate is
sufficiently qualified.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state, counties, or other local units of government.
POSITIONS:
Representatives of the following entities testified in support of the bill (10-3-23):
• Macomb County Sheriff
• Michigan Sheriffs’ Association
The following entities indicated opposition to the bill:
• Election Integrity Network (10-3-23)
• Pure Integrity for Michigan Elections (10-10-23)
Legislative Analyst: Holly Kuhn
Fiscal Analyst: Michael Cnossen
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
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Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 168.191
House Introduced Bill: 168.191
As Passed by the House: 168.191