MI HB5219

Prohibits public bodies and their agents from using public funds, personnel, facilities, equipment, or resources to make political contributions, expenditures, or establish payroll deduction plans for collecting political contributions.

Permits limited exceptions for elected officials expressing policy views, factual information dissemination about public body functions, media broadcasting in regular course of business, and personal activities on personal time using personal funds.

Removes the 60-day election window restriction and clarifies that public bodies cannot use funds for radio, television, mass mailing, or prerecorded phone communications referencing local ballot questions, except for neutral factual information about the ballot question's purpose or direct impact.

Allows residents or business owners in affected jurisdictions to file civil lawsuits for declaratory, injunctive, or mandamus relief when the Secretary of State dismisses complaints or fails to prevent payroll deduction plan violations, with courts authorized to award attorney fees and costs to prevailing plaintiffs.

Changes penalties from criminal misdemeanor charges to civil fines of up to $1,000 for individuals and up to $20,000 for non-individuals, or an amount equal to the improper contribution or expenditure, whichever is greater.