MI HB5058

Expands the definition of "incidental expense" for public officials to include donations to tax-exempt charities, educational courses, consultation services, and professional fees for candidate committees.

Prohibits candidate committees from using funds to defend elected officials in civil or criminal actions, except for cases involving recall elections, vote recounts, or election law compliance.

Requires legal costs not authorized under the restrictions to be paid from a legal defense fund established under the 2008 PA 288 legal defense fund act.

Mandates that campaign statements include the purpose of any legal cost expenditures made by candidate committees.

Establishes a misdemeanor penalty of up to $1,000 in fines or 90 days imprisonment for individuals who violate the legal cost restrictions.