Some of Michigan's bills, included in a legislative package known as the BRITE Act, are aimed at ensuring greater accountability for elected officials and will have their first committee hearing on Thursday. It was opened.
One bill included in the bill would give states more power to stop suspected ongoing campaign finance violations. Another bill would prevent members from becoming lobbyists immediately after leaving office.
The campaign finance bill works by allowing the secretary of state to seek a court injunction if it receives a complaint of an alleged violation. Supporters of the bill worry that without that ability, it would be difficult to stop violations long after they have occurred.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said the bill, if passed, would reduce the number of violations.
“As you know, the goal of strengthening enforcement is two-fold. One is to build stronger deterrents against violations, which I think is probably the most immediate and important effect. And, of course, it gives the other party more leverage in the event of a violation,” Benson said in testimony before the House Ethics Oversight Committee on Thursday.
Benson said plans in the new version of the bill would also give the office subpoena powers in investigations.
Rep. Tom Kunce (R-Clare), vice chair of the committee's minority committee, said the bill is a start, but the bill's language would require all cases to be heard in Ingham County Circuit Court in the Lansing area. expressed concern.
“Is it going to be a hassle for the defendant to say, 'Okay, yeah, I have to drive to Ingham County to protect myself?' Well, not at all,” Kunce said Thursday. He spoke to reporters after the hearing.
Meanwhile, sponsors of the lobbying cooling-off period said it is common for lawmakers to enter lobbying soon after their terms end.
The concern is whether that gives the impression that there is anything that will influence their vote.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), said this undermines public trust.
“Rather than voting with voters in mind, they appear to be acting on behalf of other special interests rather than acting as public officials,” Hope said.
Kunce again praised the bill, likening it to a watered-down version of the bill introduced by Republicans. Hope's bill includes a one-year waiting period, while the Republican version would require lawmakers to wait two years before lobbying.
Kunce said he also dislikes the bill's exceptions, such as lobbying state agencies.
“The biggest lobbyists in Michigan are the departments. Right? The biggest lobbyists in Michigan are the Department of Ed and their departments. They're all asking for the most money. So, no, all these We don't need a waiver. So, no, I don't think they've gone far enough. But it's a start,” Kunce said.
Another part of the bill, which has not yet received a public hearing, would require nonprofits and political action committees affiliated with lawmakers to register with the state.
Thursday's hearing will see a former Michigan House speaker face more than a dozen felony charges for allegedly misusing funds from his 501(c)(4) nonprofit committee and political action committee. This follows an announcement earlier this week.
Critics of the BRITE Act, as currently written, question whether it would have prevented such acts from taking place.
