MI HB6525

Creates a civil cause of action for persons who falsely state that a Michigan election was tainted by fraud, rigged, stolen, or similar allegations, if made with knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth.

Allows election officials, employees, workers, and volunteers to bring civil suits; establishes an irrebuttable presumption that each such person suffered damages of at least $10,000.

Requires courts to award prevailing plaintiffs injunctive relief, damages of not less than $10,000, and actual costs plus attorney fees; denies defendants recovery of costs or attorney fees.

Eliminates traditional defenses including ignorance of law, belief that the statute is unconstitutional, reliance on overruled court decisions, ordinary negligence, and claims of protected free speech.

Preserves First Amendment protections through subsection (8); prohibits state intervention in actions but allows amicus curiae briefs; establishes a 2-year statute of limitations and treats false statements as willful and malicious injury under federal bankruptcy law.