Bill > SB0533

This bill amends Michigan election law by creating new provisions that prohibit individuals from intentionally making false statements or misrepresentations about elections with the purpose of preventing or impeding someone's right to vote. Specifically, the bill establishes civil fines for individuals who knowingly spread false information about election details such as voting time, place, and manner; voter eligibility qualifications; criminal penalties associated with voting; and voter registration status. An individual can be fined up to $1,000 for each violation if they make such false statements with the intent to obstruct another person's voting rights. Additionally, entities that employ someone who makes these false statements can be subject to a civil fine of up to $10,000, unless they can demonstrate they had no prior knowledge of the individual's intent to spread misinformation. For local government entities, there is a presumption that they did not have prior knowledge of such false statements, which can be challenged. The goal of this legislation appears to be protecting the integrity of the electoral process by discouraging the deliberate spread of misleading information that could suppress voter participation.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0533