Michigan: Committee Takes Up Petition Gathering Reforms
Rep. Eileen KOWALL (R-White Lake) says her bill targets “bipartisan abuse” of the state’s ballot petition process, and this afternoon, her measure got a hearing before the House Elections and Ethics Committee.
HB 4046 would ban individuals from being paid a fixed rate for each petition signature they obtain and would require paid petition gatherers to wear identification badges.
While there was no vote on HB 4046 today, the committee took testimony, and the committee’s chairwoman, Rep. Lisa LYONS (R-Alto), said she’s certainly interested in the subject.
Kowall’s bill would apply to petitions for a constitutional amendment, the initiation of legislation and referendum of legislation, according to the House Fiscal Agency.