This bill amends the Michigan Campaign Finance Act by adding new sections 29a and 29b, which establish electronic filing requirements for financial statements from 527 and 501(c)(4) organizations. Under Section 29a, 527 organizations must file financial statements electronically with the Secretary of State by January 31 and July 31 each year, detailing contributions and expenditures. The bill outlines specific information that must be included in these statements, such as the names and addresses of contributors, itemized expenditures, and penalties for late filings. Organizations that expect to receive or expend less than $5,000 in a calendar year may apply for a filing waiver.

Section 29b similarly requires 501(c)(4) organizations to file financial statements electronically, with the same deadlines and information requirements as 527 organizations. The bill also establishes penalties for non-compliance, including civil fines and potential dissolution of the organization for repeated offenses. Additionally, if an elected official is involved with a non-compliant organization, they may face fines or misdemeanor charges. Both sections stipulate that organizations that must dissolve due to violations must donate remaining funds to a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, contingent upon the enactment of related legislation.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 169.201, 169.282