MI SB1252

Transfers regulatory authority over legal defense funds from the Secretary of State to the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Requires elected officials benefiting from legal defense funds to file a statement of organization with the commission within 10 days of the fund's first contribution or expenditure, including fund name, treasurer information, financial institution details, and description of the legal action.

Mandates quarterly transaction reports disclosing all contributions over $100 (with contributor occupation/employer information) and expenditures over $50, with specific filing deadlines (January 25, April 25, July 25, October 25).

Imposes late filing fees of $10 per business day (capped at $300) for missed statements of organization and establishes misdemeanor penalties for failure to file or knowingly submitting false information (up to 93 days imprisonment or $1,000 fine for filing violations; up to 180 days or $5,000 for false statements).

Requires the commission to make all statements and reports publicly available online at no charge within 3 business days and preserve records for 15 years; takes effect only if SB 1250 is enacted.