HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS
REP. PENELOPE TSERNOGLOU
CHAIR
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
10:30 AM
Room 327, House Office Building
The House Committee on Elections was called to order by Chair Tsernoglou.
The Chair requested attendance be called:
Present: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches, Smit, DeBoyer.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Representative Wegela moved to adopt the meeting minutes from June 8, 2023. There being
no objection, the motion prevailed by unanimous consent.
The Chair laid HB 4695, HB 4696, HB 4697, HB 4698, HB 4699, HB 4700, HB 4701 and
HB 4702 before the committee:
HB 4695
(Rep. Tsernoglou)
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled "Michigan
election law," by amending sections 662, 668b,
and 674 (MCL 168.662, 168.668b, and 168.674),
section 662 as amended by 2022 PA 219, section
668b as added by 2018 PA 614, and section 674 as
amended by 2018 PA 120, and by adding sections
8, 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d, 720e, 720f, 720g,
720h, 720i, and 720j.
HB 4696
(Rep. Tsernoglou)
A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled "The code
of criminal procedure," by amending section 11d
of chapter XVII (MCL 777.11d), as amended by
2018 PA 661.
HB 4697
(Rep. Koleszar)
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled "Michigan
election law," by amending section 761d (MCL
168.761d), as amended by 2022 PA 195.
HB 4698
(Rep. Hope)
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled "Michigan
election law," by amending section 2 (MCL
168.2), as amended by 2018 PA 603.
HB 4699
(Rep. Byrnes)
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled "Michigan
election law," by amending sections 499, 509aa,
and 811 (MCL 168.499, 168.509aa, and 168.811),
section 499 as amended by 2004 PA 92, section
509aa as amended by 2012 PA 270, and section
811 as amended by 2018 PA 603, and by adding
sections 6, 759e, 759f, and 759g.
HB 4700
(Rep. Rheingans)
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled "Michigan
election law," by amending sections 759, 761, and
766 (MCL 168.759, 168.761, and 168.766),
sections 759 and 761 as amended by 2020 PA 302
and section 766 as amended by 2018 PA 120, and
by adding sections 766a and 766b; and to repeal
acts and parts of acts.
HB 4701
(Rep. Morgan)
A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled "The code
of criminal procedure," by amending section 11d
of chapter XVII (MCL 777.11d), as amended by
2018 PA 661.
HB 4702
(Rep. Tsernoglou)
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled "Michigan
election law," by amending sections 658 and 661
(MCL 168.658 and 168.661), as amended by 2012
PA 270.
Erica Peresman, representing Promote The Vote, testified in support of HB 4695, HB 4697,
HB 4698, HB 4699 and HB 4700. Questions and discussion followed.
Mary Clark, representing the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks, testified in support
of HB 4695, HB 4697, HB 4698, HB 4699 and HB 4700. Questions and discussion followed.
The following person submitted a card with no position on HB 4695, HB 4696, HB 4697, HB
4698, HB 4699, HB 4700 and HB 4702, but due to the time constraints was unable to speak:
Sheri Ritchie, representing Pure Integrity Michigan Elections, the Freedom Alliance,
MFE, and StandUp Michigan.
The following people submitted a card in support of HB 4695, HB 4696, HB 4697, HB 4698,
HB 4699, HB 4700 and HB 4701, but did not wish to speak:
Christina Schlitt and Paula Bowman, representing the League of Women Voters of
Michigan.
The following people submitted a card in support of HB 4695, HB 4697, HB 4698, HB 4699
and HB 4700, but did not wish to speak:
Eric Welsby, representing Detroit Disability Power.
Ricky Servantez Bicknell, representing Voters Not Politicians.
The following person submitted a card in opposition to HB 4695, HB 4697, HB 4698, HB
4699, HB 4700 and HB 4702, but did not wish to speak:
Bill Richardson, representing Pure Integrity Michigan Elections.
The following person submitted a card in support of HB 4695 and HB 4697, but did not wish
to speak:
Madeline Fata, representing the Michigan Association of Counties.
The following person submitted a card in support of HB 4695, HB 4697 and HB 4699, but
did not wish to speak:
Chris Semrinec, representing the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.
The following person submitted a card in support of HB 4695, but did not wish to speak:
Bill Zaagman, representing the Michigan Association of County Clerks.
The following person submitted a card in support of HB 4696, but did not wish to speak:
Bill Richardson, representing the Pure Integrity Michigan Elections.
Representative Hope moved to adopt substitute (H-1) to HB 4695. The motion prevailed 6-0-
2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative Smit offered the following amendment to HB 4695 (H-1):
1. Amend page 40, following line 8, by inserting:
"(15) A county or municipality must not be reimbursed by this state for any costs
or expenses associated with either of the following:
(a) Providing or conducting early voting at more than 1 location during the
required 9 days of early voting.
(b) Providing or conducting early voting on any days that are in addition to the
required 9 days of early voting.".
Representative Smit moved to adopt the amendment to HB 4695 (H-1). The motion did not
prevail 2-0-6:
UNFAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Representative DeBoyer offered the following amendments to HB 4695 (H-1):
1. Amend page 38, line 8, after "removed" by inserting "by 2 election inspectors
from different political parties".
2. Amend page 38, line 10, after "resealed" by inserting "in accordance with
section 806a".
3. Amend page 38, line 12, after "book" by inserting "in accordance with section
806a".
4. Amend page 39, line 11, after "container" by inserting "in the presence of 2
election inspectors from different political parties".
5. Amend page 39, line 12, after "book" by inserting "in accordance with section
806a".
Representative DeBoyer moved to adopt the amendments to HB 4695 (H-1). The motion did
not prevail 2-0-6:
UNFAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Representative Koleszar moved to adopt substitute (H-1) to HB 4697. The motion prevailed
6-0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative DeBoyer offered the following amendments to HB 4697 (H-1):
1. Amend page 2, line 13, by striking out "and".
2. Amend page 2, line 13, after "repair" by inserting a comma and "and video
monitoring".
3. Amend page 2, line 13, after "each" by inserting "required".
Representative DeBoyer moved to adopt the amendments to HB 4697 (H-1). The motion did
not prevail 2-0-6:
UNFAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Representative Smit offered the following amendment to HB 4697 (H-1):
1. Amend page 2, line 11, after "township." by inserting "If the clerk of a city or
township applies to the secretary of state for additional absent voter ballot drop boxes,
in addition to what is required under subsection (1), the secretary of state shall facilitate
the procurement and distribution of the absent voter ballot drop boxes at the lowest
possible cost to the clerk of that city or township.".
Representative Smit moved to adopt the amendment to HB 4697 (H-1). The motion did not
prevail 2-0-6:
UNFAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Representative Byrnes moved to adopt substitute (H-1) to HB 4698. The motion prevailed 6-
0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative Smit offered the following amendments to HB 4698 (H-1):
1. Amend page 2, line 7, after "degree," by inserting "or".
2. Amend page 2, line 7, after "certificate" by striking out the balance of the
subdivision and inserting a period.
Representative Smit moved to adopt the amendments to HB 4698 (H-1). The motion did not
prevail 2-0-6:
UNFAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Representative DeBoyer offered the following amendments to HB 4698 (H-1):
1. Amend page 2, line 6, after "by" by inserting "state".
2. Amend page 2, line 6, after "or" by striking out "an" and inserting "a state".
Representative DeBoyer moved to adopt the amendments to HB 4698 (H-1). The motion did
not prevail 1-0-7:
UNFAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Rep. DeBoyer.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches, Smit.
Representative Churches moved to adopt substitute (H-1) to HB 4699. The motion prevailed
6-0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative Tsernoglou offered the following amendment to HB 4699 (H-1):
1. Amend page 7, line 15, after "presidential" by inserting "primary".
Representative Tsernoglou moved to adopt the amendment to HB 4699 (H-1). The motion
prevailed 6-0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative Tsernoglou offered the following amendment to HB 4699 (H-1):
1. Amend page 7, line 16, after "email," by striking out "and" and inserting "or".
Representative Tsernoglou moved to adopt the amendment to HB 4699 (H-1). The motion
prevailed 6-0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative DeBoyer offered the following amendment to HB 4699 (H-1):
1. Amend page 6, line 1, after "verified" by inserting "in accordance with section
761".
Representative DeBoyer moved to adopt the amendment to HB 4699 (H-1). The motion did
not prevail 2-0-6:
UNFAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Representative Wegela moved to adopt substitute (H-1) to HB 4700. The motion prevailed 6-
0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative Tsernoglou offered the following amendment to HB 4700 (H-1):
1. Amend page 22, line 25, after "email," by striking out "and" and inserting "or".
Representative Tsernoglou moved to adopt the amendment to HB 4700 (H-1). The motion
prevailed 6-0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative Smit offered the following amendment to HB 4700 (H-1):
1. Amend page 12, line 6, after "If" by inserting "the secretary of state or".
Representative Smit moved to withdraw the amendment to HB 4700 (H-1). There being no
objection, the motion prevailed by unanimous consent.
Representative DeBoyer offered the following amendment to HB 4700 (H-1):
1. Amend page 3, line 14, by striking out all of subdivision (d).
Representative DeBoyer moved to adopt the amendment to HB 4700 (H-1). The motion did
not prevail 2-0-6:
UNFAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Representative Hope moved to report out HB 4695 with recommendation, as substitute (H-1).
The motion prevailed 6-0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative Koleszar moved to report out HB 4696 with recommendation. The motion
prevailed 6-0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative Byrnes moved to report out HB 4697 with recommendation, as substitute (H-
1). The motion prevailed 6-0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative Churches moved to report out HB 4698 with recommendation, as substitute
(H-1). The motion prevailed 6-0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative Wegela moved to report HB 4699 as amended, as substitute (H-2). The
motion prevailed 6-0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative Koleszar moved to report HB 4700 as amended, as substitute (H-2). The
motion prevailed 6-0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative Hope moved to report out HB 4701 with recommendation. The motion
prevailed 6-0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
Representative Byrnes moved to report out HB 4702 with recommendation. The motion
prevailed 6-0-2:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Tsernoglou, Wegela, Hope, Koleszar, Byrnes, Churches.
Nays: None.
Pass: Reps. Smit, DeBoyer.
There being no further business before the committee, Chair Tsernoglou adjourned the
meeting at 11:37 AM.
Representative Penelope Tsernoglou, Chair
Edward Sleeper
Committee Clerk
esleeper@house.mi.gov