2018 House Bill 6595 / Public Act 608

Revise ballot measure petition gathering rules

Introduced in the House

Dec. 6, 2018

Introduced by Rep. James Lower (R-70)

To impose additional rules and restrictions on petition gathering for constitutional amendments, initiatives, and referendums. Not more than 10 percent of signatures could come from one of Michigan’s current 14 congressional districts; petitions would have to have a brief summary of the proposal; petition gatherers would have to sign an affidavit that indicates if they are paid or volunteers; and petitions on which the circulator provided his or her wrong address would be invalidated.

Referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics

Dec. 12, 2018

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Substitute offered by Rep. James Lower (R-70)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises various details. This version was superseded by another substitute with more changes.

The substitute failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. James Lower (R-70)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 60 to 49 (details)

To impose additional rules and restrictions on petition gathering for constitutional amendments, initiatives, and referendums. Not more than 10 percent of signatures could come from one of Michigan’s current 14 congressional districts; petitions would have to have a brief summary of the proposal; paid petition gatherers would have to sign an affidavit that indicates this; and petitions on which the circulator provided his or her wrong address would be invalidated.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 13, 2018

Referred to the Committee on Elections and Government Reform

Dec. 21, 2018

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Passed in the Senate 26 to 12 (details)

To impose additional rules and restrictions on petition gathering for constitutional amendments, initiatives, and referendums. Not more than 15 percent of signatures could come from one of Michigan’s current 14 congressional districts; petitions would have to have a brief summary of the proposal; paid petition gatherers would have to sign an affidavit that indicates this; and petitions on which the circulator provided his or her wrong address would be invalidated.

Received in the House

Dec. 21, 2018

Passed in the House 57 to 47 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 28, 2018