LANSING, Mich. (WJRT) – State Rep. Angela Rigas and State Sen. Jonathan Lindsey introduced new legislation aimed at closing a loophole in Michigan’s campaign finance laws.
House Bill 4642 and Senate Bill 422 seek to hold the Secretary of State accountable for campaign finance violations by including penalties for any violations.
Attorney General Dana Nessel determined that Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson violated the Michigan Campaign Finance Act earlier this month. But Nessel noted that Michigan law does not include a way to punish Benson.
“This bill is about restoring trust in our electoral system,” said Rigas, a Republican from Caledonia. “No one, especially not the Secretary of State, should be immune from accountability. We’re fixing a broken system to ensure fairness and uphold the law.”
The legislation would require any complaints involving the Secretary of State to be investigated by the Attorney General, ensuring transparency and accountability.
“Secretary Benson’s failures in office are evident, and her violation of the MCFA is not surprising given her pattern of disregarding the rules,” said Lindsey a Republican from Allen. “Our bill will implement measures to ensure that no Secretary of State can violate the law without consequence.”
The bills outline procedures for addressing violations, including informal resolutions, civil fines, and criminal penalties, with a focus on public disclosure.
Rigas and Lindsey are calling for support from their colleagues to strengthen campaign finance laws and protect Michigan’s election integrity.
