The "Language Assistance for Elections Act" is designed to improve accessibility for voters with limited English proficiency in Michigan. It requires local governments to provide language assistance for elections based on the percentage of the voting-eligible population that speaks a language other than English. The Secretary of State is tasked with compiling a list of local governments that need language assistance and the specific languages required, ensuring that all election materials are translated by certified translators. The act also establishes the Language Access Advisory Council to oversee implementation and approve translation materials.

To address violations of the language assistance requirements, the bill introduces a notification system for potential plaintiffs to alert the Secretary of State or local governments before pursuing legal action. If a local government responds to a notification, the state will reimburse reasonable costs incurred. The bill empowers courts to impose tailored remedies for violations, including establishing language assistance programs and assessing punitive damages for intentional violations, with fines directed to the Michigan voting rights assistance fund. It also mandates the awarding of reasonable attorney fees to prevailing parties and allows for expedited proceedings in cases involving upcoming elections, while clarifying that the act does not conflict with federal law and preserves rights under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of two other specified bills.