The bill amends the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to enhance campaign finance reporting and compliance processes. Key provisions include the requirement for the secretary of state to provide forms and instructions, develop a filing system for reports, and establish rules for waiving late filing fees based on good cause. It mandates that requests for declaratory rulings be made public within 48 hours and outlines specific timelines for responses and public comments. Additionally, the bill clarifies the requirements for complaints filed under the act and establishes procedures for investigating alleged violations, while emphasizing timely public access to filed statements and reports.

Significant revisions include the preservation of campaign statements and reports for 15 years, with a shift from "shall" to "must" in the language regarding preservation. The bill also clarifies notification timelines for errors or omissions, introduces provisions for independent expenditure committees, and establishes criteria for exemptions from late filing fees. It specifies reporting requirements for candidate committees and independent expenditure committees, including penalties for late filings and stricter penalties for individuals responsible for compliance. The bill aims to improve transparency and accountability in campaign finance practices while streamlining the legal framework governing these activities in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 169.215