WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
State Rep. Aaron Miller said a plan approved this week by the Michigan House will provide more transparency for voters and enhance the integrity of the state’s citizen petition initiative process.
The bills – sponsored by members of both parties – make much-needed improvements to Michigan’s grassroots lawmaking process while boosting accountability and giving voters in rural areas and small towns a greater voice, Miller said.
House Bill 6595 requires that not more than 15 percent of certified signatures come from any one congressional district, guaranteeing more circulation in rural areas. It also stipulates that initiative campaigns provide a short summary at the top of their petitions to ensure people can quickly size up the issue.
It also makes clear that if a petition circulator deceives people or provides fraudulent information, the signatures they collect must be invalidated.
The legislation advances to the Senate for consideration.
