2003 House Bill 4601 / Public Act 188

Introduced in the House

April 30, 2003

Introduced by Rep. Edward Gaffney (R-1)

To extend the deadline for filing complaints about the genuineness of a circulator's or signer's signature on a nominating petitions, from seven days to 14 days after the petitions are filed, and also to give election officials, meaning county clerks and the state board of canvassers, discretion to hold hearings or conduct investigations if a complaint is received after 14 days.

Referred to the Committee on Local Government and Urban Policy

June 10, 2003

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

June 17, 2003

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one which somewhat narrows its effect. See House-passed version.

The substitute passed by voice vote

June 18, 2003

Passed in the House 107 to 0 (details)

To allow election officials, meaning county clerks and the state board of canvassers, to investigate complaints received regarding the genuineness of a circulator's or signer's signature on a nominating petition, after the current seven-day deadline, at their discretion.

Received in the Senate

June 19, 2003

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Reform

Oct. 2, 2003

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Oct. 8, 2003

Amendment offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with a more narrow bill, which would allow the Board of State Canvassers to extend the time allowed for filing a complaint questioning the registration or genuineness of the signature of a circulator or a person signing a candidate nominating petition, if a challenger did not receive each petition sheet requested. The bill would also allow the board to consider any deficiency found on the face of a nominating petition.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Oct. 9, 2003

Passed in the Senate 34 to 0 (details)

To allow the Board of State Canvassers to extend the time allowed for filing a complaint questioning the registration or genuineness of the signature of a circulator or a person signing a candidate nominating petition, if a challenger did not receive each petition sheet requested. The bill would also allow the board to consider any deficiency found on the face of a nominating petition.

Received in the House

Oct. 9, 2003

Oct. 15, 2003

Passed in the House 105 to 0 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Oct. 31, 2003