The bill amends the Michigan election law by adding a new section, 558a, which requires candidates for county office to file an affidavit with the county clerk indicating whether they have ever been convicted of a felony. This affidavit must be submitted alongside the candidate's nominating petition, qualifying petition, or filing fee. Notably, candidates are not required to disclose felony convictions that have been expunged, set aside, or for which they have received a pardon.
Additionally, the bill mandates that if a candidate is convicted of a felony after submitting the affidavit, they must update their affidavit within three business days of the conviction. The bill defines "convicted of a felony" as a court judgment of conviction for a felony offense, regardless of sentencing status or pending appeals, and specifies that "county office" includes positions such as county commissioner and county executive.
Statutes affected: House Introduced Bill: 168.1, 168.992