2003 House Bill 4983 / 2004 Public Act 161

Impose immigration clerical assistant regulations

Introduced in the House

July 16, 2003

Introduced by Rep. Steve Tobocman (D-12)

To impose new licensure requirements, fees, and regulations on “immigration clerical assistants.” These are persons who provide services relating to any immigration matter. Those with a preexisting personal, family, or business relationship who are doing the work without compensation, lawyers, or supervised law students would be exempt. Non-profit organizations could apply for a licensure waiver.

Referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice

Feb. 25, 2004

Reported without amendment

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

March 18, 2004

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that does not require licensure, but instead establishes an "Immigration Clerical Assistant Registry." Those who provide the covered services would have to register and pay a $250 fee to do so. Certain service providers would be exempt, such as nonprofits.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Steve Tobocman (D-12)

To strip out the provision making the proposed $250 fee a one-time fee only, and add a $90 renewal fee every three years, and other fees.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Steve Tobocman (D-12)

To clarify a technical reference in a provision contained in the bill.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-90)

To clarify language in a several of the bill's provisions in a way that does not change the substance of the provisions.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-90)

To remove soliciting immigration assistance business for a profit from the list of prohibited types of unfair conduct.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Steve Tobocman (D-12)

To clarify a certain technical definition in the bill.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 102 to 4 (details)

To require registration and authorize regulation of “immigration clerical assistants.” These are persons who provide services relating to any immigration matter. Those with a preexisting personal, family, or business relationship who are doing the work without compensation, lawyers, or supervised law students would be exempt. Non-profit organizations could apply for a waiver. The bill would impose registration fees, bonding requirements, regulations and price controls on certain services provided by registrants, and would prohibit them from providing certain services.

Received in the Senate

March 23, 2004

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

May 13, 2004

Reported without amendment

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

June 2, 2004

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described, amended to "grandfather" certain existing nonprofit religious, charitable, social service, or similar organizations, so they would be exempt from the registration and regulations imposed by the bill.

The substitute passed by voice vote

June 3, 2004

Passed in the Senate 35 to 0 (details)

To require registration and authorize regulation of “immigration clerical assistants.” These are persons who provide services relating to any immigration matter. Those with a preexisting personal, family, or business relationship who are doing the work without compensation, lawyers, or supervised law students would be exempt. Non-profit organizations could apply for a waiver. The bill would impose registration fees, bonding requirements, regulations and price controls on certain services provided by registrants, and would prohibit them from providing certain services.

Received in the House

June 3, 2004

June 8, 2004

Amendment offered by Rep. Steve Tobocman (D-12)

To move back the date the bill goes into effect.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 97 to 7 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill, amended to move back the date the bill goes into effect.

Received in the Senate

June 9, 2004

June 10, 2004

Passed in the Senate 34 to 0 (details)

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

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

June 18, 2004