Michigan
clearly experienced a significant number of recall attempts in 2011 following
the drastic changes to the state’s individual income tax base – efforts targeted
nearly 50 legislators and Governor Snyder. While only one was successful
(former State Representative Paul Scott of Grand Blanc), the sheer quantity of attempts
and associated costs caused legislators to take matters into their own hands
during the lame duck session, passing House Bills 6060
and 6063.
With
the Governor’s signature, the measures became Public Acts 417 and 418,
respectively.
The
most significant items in the reform include:
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->shortening
the timeframe for collecting signatures
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->requiring
recall language to include “factual statements,” not just clear statements
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->moving
the authority for review and approval of recall language to the Board of State
Canvassers rather than the respective county election boards or commissions
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->requiring
an elected official to be in office a minimum of six months prior to being
eligible for recall
Finally,
if a recall election is ordered, voters will now be deciding between retaining
the current office holder or electing a specific opponent – not simply a “yes”
or “no” question on recalling the current official.