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Bill

SB 306

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; use of campaign funds to pay for child care expenses; allow. Amends secs. 3, 6 & 9 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 6 co-sponsors

Michigan bill permits candidates to use campaign funds for child care expenses, removing financial barriers for parents seeking political office.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS AND ETHICS
#campaignfinance:contributionsandexpenditures #children:childcare
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Bill Summary · SB 306

Legislative bill overview

SB 306 amends Michigan's campaign finance law to permit candidates and political committees to use campaign funds to pay for child care expenses. Currently, Michigan law restricts how campaign money can be spent, and this bill creates a new allowable use category specifically for child care costs incurred by candidates or their staff.

Why is this important

This addresses a practical barrier to political participation, particularly for candidates with young children or caregiving responsibilities. By allowing campaign funds to cover child care, the bill aims to reduce financial obstacles that may discourage parents—especially women—from running for office or working on campaigns. This could affect candidate recruitment and diversity in Michigan politics.

Potential points of contention

  • Campaign fund scope expansion: Opponents may argue this represents an inappropriate broadening of allowable campaign expenditures, potentially setting precedent for other personal expense categories and blurring lines between personal and political finances.
  • Equity and fairness concerns: Critics might question whether this benefit effectively helps only certain candidates (those who can strategically time pregnancies/child care) while others cannot utilize it, or whether it primarily aids wealthier candidates who can afford child care options.
  • Enforcement and abuse potential: Questions about how to verify child care expenses are legitimate, prevent inflated billing, ensure services are actually provided, and avoid using child care payments as a money-laundering mechanism for personal enrichment.

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

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