Angela Rigas, Michigan State Representative for 79th District | Michigan House Republicans
Angela Rigas, Michigan State Representative for 79th District | Michigan House Republicans
State Representative Angela Rigas and State Senator Jonathan Lindsey have introduced new legislation targeting accountability for campaign finance violations by the Secretary of State. House Bill 4642 and Senate Bill 422 propose amendments to the Michigan Campaign Finance Act (MCFA) to address a loophole that currently allows the Secretary of State to avoid repercussions for such violations.
The proposed legislation comes in response to Attorney General Dana Nessel's finding that Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson violated the MCFA, yet faced no consequences due to inadequate enforcement mechanisms. The bills aim to close this gap by requiring any complaints involving the Secretary of State, their family, or related campaigns to be investigated by the Attorney General.
The legislation outlines procedures for handling violations through informal resolutions, civil fines, or criminal penalties. It also mandates public disclosure of complaints and agreements to ensure transparency.
"This bill is about restoring trust in our electoral system," said Rep. Rigas. "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."
Senator Lindsey echoed these sentiments: "No one should be above the law. Yet the current situation allows the Secretary of State to evade accountability." He referenced Attorney General Nessel's findings regarding Benson's violation of the MCFA as evidence of this issue.
Lindsey further criticized Benson's record: "Secretary Benson’s failures in office are evident, and her violation of the MCFA is not surprising given her pattern of disregarding the rules." He emphasized that their bill aims to prevent any future infractions by ensuring consequences for any Secretary of State who violates campaign finance laws.
Rigas and Lindsey are seeking support from their legislative colleagues in an effort to bolster Michigan’s campaign finance regulations and maintain election integrity within the state.
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