Rick Snyder

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder.

(AP files)

LANSING, MI -- Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday signed a bill that prohibits public bodies from distributing information on ballot proposals 60 days before an election, something local governments have said could prevent them from explaining important issues to citizens.

"This legislation includes many important campaign finance reforms that protect the integrity of our election process," Snyder said. "I understand there is confusion about how the bill impacts the use of public resources to disseminate factual information prior to an election. This provision needs to be clarified and I am working with my partners in the Legislature on a follow-up bill to address these concerns."

Senate Bill 571 passed in a late-night session in December. An amendment House and Senate leadership said was mostly technical took it from 12 pages to 53 pages that night, and some representatives have said they did not know what they were voting on.

Language added to SB 571:

Adds a provision barring public bodies from using public funds to distribute information about a local ballot proposal 60 days before it appears on the ballot.

Eliminates a February filing deadline for independent and political committees.

Requires political and independent committees to file annual reports.

Clarifies that robocalls have to identify who is paying for the call and some contact information, but do not have to use a disclaimer (the words "authorized by" or "not authorized by.")

Allows candidates to use contributions to pay down debts from previous election cycles.

Rep. Dave Pagel, R-Berrien Springs, said the bill was rushed through and he didn't know the details of what he was voting on. He's since heard real concerns from local governments and other groups. He's talked to several other reps who feel the same way.

"I think we kind of made a mistake. It's something we can go back and fix and it sounds like there's quite a few people who realize and think the same way," Pagel said.

And changes may be forthcoming.

In signing the bill, Snyder said the intent was to prohibit the use of advertisement-style mass communications with public dollars, not personal views from public officials or the use of public facilities for debates. He asked the legislature for new legislation to clarify that point before the March 2016 election.

Snyder said there were "many misperceptions" about what the bill does.

"As I interpret this language, it is intended to prohibit communications that are plain attempts to influence voters without using words like 'vote for' or 'support,'" Snyder wrote in a letter to lawmakers.

House Democratic Leader Tim Greimel criticized the governor's signing of the bill.

"For the second time in two days, Gov. Rick Snyder has signed into law a bill designed to tamper with our democracy," he said, referring to another bill that eliminated straight-ticket voting.

"Senate Bill 571 is designed to keep voters in the dark about important issues in their community, including school millages and bonds to fund police and fire departments. Because of Gov. Snyder's actions, local governments and school districts will not be allowed to pay for materials to educate voters on these issues. Meanwhile, corporations face few limits on their influence on elections. Gov. Snyder should remember he was elected to serve the people of Michigan, not the special interests who will benefit from this new law, Greimel added.

The Michigan Townships Association, which had advocated for a veto, is now calling for a follow-up amendment immediately.

"The Michigan Townships Association hopes that lawmakers reflect on the imperative of an informed citizenry for local democracy to work and immediately amend this over-reaction to a very limited number of abuses," said MTA Executive Director Larry Merrill.

The Michigan Freedom Fund, a conservative nonprofit with ties to the West Michigan's DeVos family, applauded Snyder's action.



"Thanks to Governor Snyder and state lawmakers, taxpayers can rest a little easier today knowing government bureaucrats and lobbyists won't be spending their tax dollars to bankroll political campaigns or push for local tax hikes," said Terri Reid, President of the Michigan Freedom Fund.

Progress Michigan, a liberal advocacy group, opposed the bill's signing.

"Who in their right mind states that a major portion of a piece of legislation is problematic and hears the same thing from colleagues within their own party, but still signs it into law anyway?" questioned Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan.

"Anyone who had any thought that Snyder was a 'nerd' who only made pragmatic and logical decisions can just throw that notion out the window at this point. You don't sign a bill that you have major complaints about and then ask for retroactive changes. That's not how you negotiate. Gov. Snyder is placing a dangerous bet on a legislature that has shown complete contempt for his wishes and he's gambling with our democracy. "

Emily Lawler is a Capitol reporter for MLive. You can reach her at elawler@mlive.com, subscribe to her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter: @emilyjanelawler.