SENATE BILL NO. 606

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) If an organization employs an individual to circulate or obtain signatures on a ballot question petition proposing a constitutional amendment, initiation of legislation, or referendum of legislation, the individual 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) If an organization employs an individual to circulate or obtain signatures on a ballot question petition proposing a constitutional amendment, initiation of legislation, or referendum of legislation, the individual 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) If an individual who is employed by an organization to circulate or obtain signatures on a ballot question petition proposing a constitutional amendment, initiation of legislation, or referendum of legislation violates any provision of this section, any signature obtained by that individual on that petition is invalid and must not be counted.

Sec. 956a. (1) If an organization employs an individual to circulate or obtain signatures on a recall petition, the individual 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) If an organization employs an individual to circulate or obtain signatures on a recall petition, the individual 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) If an individual who is employed by an organization to circulate or obtain signatures on a recall petition violates any provision of this section, any signature obtained by that individual on that recall petition is invalid and must not be counted.