HOUSE BILL NO. 4360

February 25, 2021, Introduced by Reps. Hope, Kuppa, Cynthia Johnson, Brenda Carter, Sowerby, Bolden, Stone, Weiss, Steckloff, Hood, Haadsma, Pohutsky, Young, Brixie, Sabo, Rogers, O'Neal, Cavanagh, Garza, Brabec and Tyrone Carter and referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics.

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled

"Michigan election law,"

(MCL 168.1 to 168.992) by adding sections 484a and 956a.

the people of the state of michigan enact:

Sec. 484a. (1) An individual who circulates or who obtains signatures on a ballot question petition proposing a constitutional amendment, initiation of legislation, or referendum of legislation shall not intentionally make a false statement or misrepresentation concerning the contents, purport, or effect of the ballot question petition to any of the following individuals:

(a) An individual who signs the ballot question petition.

(b) An individual who desires to sign the ballot question petition.

(c) An individual who is requested to sign the ballot question petition.

(d) An individual who makes inquiries with reference to the ballot question petition.

(e) An individual to whom the ballot question petition is presented for signature.

(2) An individual who circulates or who obtains signatures on a ballot question petition proposing a constitutional amendment, initiation of legislation, or referendum of legislation shall not knowingly and willfully circulate, publish, or exhibit a false statement or misrepresentation concerning the contents, purport, or effect of the constitutional amendment, initiative, or referendum for the purpose of obtaining an individual's signature on the ballot question petition or for the purpose of persuading or influencing an individual to sign the ballot question petition.

(3) An individual who violates any provision of this section is subject to a civil fine of not more than $1,000.00 for each violation. An entity that employs an individual who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000.00.

Sec. 956a. (1) An individual who circulates or who obtains signatures on a recall petition shall not intentionally make a false statement or misrepresentation concerning the contents, purport, or effect of the recall petition to any of the following individuals:

(a) An individual who signs the recall petition.

(b) An individual who desires to sign the recall petition.

(c) An individual who is requested to sign the recall petition.

(d) An individual who makes inquiries with reference to the recall petition.

(e) An individual to whom the recall petition is presented for signature.

(2) An individual who circulates or who obtains signatures on a recall petition shall not knowingly and willfully circulate, publish, or exhibit a false statement or misrepresentation concerning the contents, purport, or effect of the recall for the purpose of obtaining an individual's signature on the recall petition or for the purpose of persuading or influencing an individual to sign the recall petition.

(3) An individual who violates any provision of this section is subject to a civil fine of not more than $1,000.00 for each violation. An entity that employs an individual who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000.00.