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HB 5573

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ENERGY FACILITY SITING ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joseph Solomon

HB 5573 lets Michigan's Board of State Canvassers use statistical random sampling to verify petition signatures, changing validation and boosting transparency.

04/01/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 5573

Summary — HB 5573 (Michigan Election Law amendments)

Status: Vetoed by the Governor (1/17/2025). Introduced March 13, 2024; passed both houses; presented to Governor 01/08/2025.

Main purpose

HB 5573 amends Michigan’s Election Law to change how ballot‑question, nominating, and qualifying petitions are reviewed and canvassed. Central changes authorize the Board of State Canvassers (BSC) to use approved statistical random sampling when testing petition signature validity, clarify use of the Qualified Voter File (QVF) for signature verification, adjust filing and canvass deadlines, and increase transparency and document access during canvass processes.

Key provisions

  • Random sampling: BSC may use a statistical random sampling methodology (as approved by the BSC) to determine validity and sufficiency of signatures and compliance with petition form requirements (multiple sections, e.g., sec. 476, 590f).
  • QVF verification and presumptions: When the QVF contains digitized signatures, it must be used to verify signer registration and signature genuineness. A comparison showing a non‑genuine signature (per existing standards) or that a signer was not registered on the signature date creates a rebuttable presumption the signature is invalid.
  • Review order and access:
    • Bureau of Elections staff to review petition signatures in order received.
    • Bureau must, on request, make copies and original petition sheets available to petitioners and challengers (reasonable fees allowed; security measures permitted).
  • Transparency and procedures:
    • BSC must post its canvassing process/procedures and report progress on sampled canvass completion on its website.
    • BSC must adopt and publish standards needed to rebut a finding that a signature is not genuine.
    • Bureau staff report on challenges must be made public at least 5 days before the BSC final determination meeting.
  • Deadlines and timing:
    • Signature age limit: signatures older than 180 days before filing are invalid for initiated laws/constitutional amendments (sec. 472a).
    • Referendum petitions must be filed within 90 days after final adjournment of the legislative session that enacted the law (sec. 473).
    • BSC must complete canvass / make official sufficiency determination at least 60 days before the election at which the proposal would appear; initiative petitions must be finally determined no later than 100 days before the election (sec. 477).
  • Fraud referral: If BSC or Bureau determines a signature is fraudulent, it must be referred to the Attorney General for investigation.
  • Enacting condition: The enrolled text conditions enactment on companion bills in the package being enacted (tie‑bar relationships noted in committee materials).

Who would be affected

  • Petition sponsors, circulators, volunteer/paid circulators and signers (new form and verification practices).
  • Board of State Canvassers and Bureau of Elections (new authority, procedural duties, website/posting requirements).
  • Secretary of State and local clerks (QVF use and cooperation in verification).
  • Attorney General (required referrals for fraudulent signatures).
  • Candidates and political committees (verification, deadlines, potential legal exposure).

Procedural / fiscal notes and rationale

  • Rationale: Legislative materials cite 2022 cases of large‑scale fraudulent signatures and BSC workgroup recommendations to standardize petition review and give BSC sampling authority.
  • Fiscal impact (per legislative analysis): indeterminate. Potential MDOS savings from fewer full signature checks; possible increased AG investigative/court costs if referrals/prosecutions rise. Local impacts likely small.
  • Final outcome: Although enacted by the Legislature, HB 5573 (and related package bills) were vetoed by the Governor on January 17, 2025.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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