Bills signed to clarify election procedures

Last Thursday, Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley signed bipartisan legislation that clarifies state election procedures and further protects voters' personal information. "Michigan has an outstanding record of election integrity," Calley said. "This legislation allows that tradition to continue by bringing clarity to key provisions of the state's election law, and adding a safeguard to further protect voter information." House Bill 5152, sponsored by state Rep. Lisa Posthumus Lyons, establishes procedures for nonresident petition circulators. It also requires that a person who signs a candidate's nominating petition must include the date that they signed the document and the signer's address. In addition, the measure helps protect a voter's identity by prohibiting clerks from releasing the last four digits of a voter's Social Security number. Finally, the bill revises details of candidate filing deadlines when an office becomes vacant by tying a vacancy deadline to the filing deadline. The legislation is supported by the Michigan Association of County Clerks and the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks. The bill is now Public Act 94 of 2014. Calley also signed the following bills: --Senate Bills 575 and 576, sponsored by state Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, create the Regulatory Boards and Commissions Ethics Act. The act requires members of a government board, commission, or committee that has authority in regulatory actions concerning private individuals or entities, to disclose potential conflicts of interest relating to the board, refrain from board discussions on the matter and not participate in any related votes. It also prohibits a member of a disciplinary subcommittee from participating in a decision when the member has a conflict of interest. It requires a disciplinary subcommittee member to disclose a potential conflict of interest and provides a definition for conflict of interest. They are now PAs 95 and 96, respectively. --SB 577, sponsored by state Sen. Rick Jones, requires the permanent revocation of the license or registration of a health care professional if the person was disciplined because of a conviction for sexual conduct and the violation occurred while the individual was acting in his or her capacity as a licensed health professional. It is now PA 97. --SB 578, sponsored by Jones, establishes a process by which the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs may review a disciplinary subcommittee's decision related to the discipline of a health care professional, within 30 days of that decision. If the department determines that the subcommittee's action does not protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, the department may, with the approval of the occupational licensing board's chair, issue its own action. The department's decision is final, and subject to the same judicial review as a disciplinary subcommittee's decision. It is now PA 98. Visit legislature.michgan.gov for more information. Article V Section 26 of the Michigan Constitution gives authority to the lieutenant governor to sign legislation when the governor is out of state. Published: Mon, Apr 7, 2014