Senate Bill 335, Revise campaign finance law to reflect Citizens United ruling: Passed 23 to 12 in the Senate

To revise Michigan campaign finance law provisions that violate the holding of the U.S. Supreme Court in the Citizens United case. The decision limited the power of congress and state legislatures to restrict election-related political speech by corporations, including non-profit groups motivated by ideological or political concerns.

The bill would authorize “independent expenditure committee” (dubbed "super-PACs") that could advocate for a candidate but not contribute to or coordinate with a candidate. Committees would be subject to campaign finance filings but would not have to disclose the identity of donors, and there would be no cap on spending or contributions, which could come from corporations and unions.

Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"

Senate Bill 100, Ease restrictions on cost and fee awards in lawsuits against the state

To ease restrictions on a person who successfully sues the state also collecting costs and fees in addition to any court-ordered damage awards, with some exceptions. Under current law, the winning plaintiff must prove a state agency's position was "frivolous" to collect costs and fees. The bill would instead require the state provide clear and convincing evidence that its position was justifiable. It would also remove a cap on attorney fees that may be reimbursed.

Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"

House Bill 4892, Fix and sanction city candidate filing deadline errors: Passed 37 to 0 in the Senate

To provide an exemption to state-imposed city election candidacy filing deadlines for several cities that gave prospective candidates bad information on this, causing some to miss the filing deadline for elections this November. The bill would require these cities to put these candidates on the ballot. It would also require more training and oversight for these cities' election officials, and impose $2,500 fines. Starting in 2018 cities that do this would be subject to $5,000 fine.

Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"

House Bill 4716, Remove child from parents for female genital mutilation: Passed 89 to 16 in the House

To take away the parental rights of a parent who subjects a child to female genital mutilation. This would be in the same section of law that terminates parental rights for severe child abuse and molestation.

Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"

SOURCE: MichiganVotes.org, a free, non-partisan website created by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, providing concise, non-partisan, plain-English descriptions of every bill and vote in the Michigan House and Senate. Please visit www.MichiganVotes.org.

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