# Michigan Government Accountability and Public Integrity Act

## Section 1. Short Title

This Act shall be known as the “Michigan Government Accountability and Public Integrity Act.”

## Section 2. Legislative Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to restore public trust in government through lawful oversight, financial transparency, anti-corruption enforcement, and independent citizen review of elected officials and high-ranking public servants operating within the State of Michigan.

The State recognizes that public office is a position of public trust, and that elected officials must remain accountable to the Constitution, the laws of Michigan, and the citizens they represent.

## Section 3. Creation of the Michigan Public Integrity Commission

1. There is hereby created an independent oversight body known as the Michigan Public Integrity Commission (MPIC).

2. The Commission shall consist of:
a. Twelve Michigan citizens selected from different counties;
b. Four retired judges;
c. Two certified forensic accountants;
d. Two constitutional law specialists;
e. One rotating county sheriff selected annually.

3. No active lobbyist, political party officer, campaign employee, or elected official may serve on the Commission.

4. Members must disclose all financial interests, political donations, and organizational affiliations before appointment.

5. Commissioners shall swear an oath of neutrality and constitutional compliance.

## Section 4. Scope of Authority

The Commission may investigate:
a. Financial corruption;
b. Bribery;
c. Abuse of office;
d. Undisclosed conflicts of interest;
e. Illegal enrichment;
f. Fraud involving taxpayer resources;
g. Coordinated influence by foreign entities;
h. Undisclosed lobbying arrangements;
i. Vote trading or quid pro quo arrangements;
j. Intentional concealment of assets or shell corporations;
k. Election-related misconduct.

The Commission shall not investigate protected speech, lawful political opinions, lawful private associations, religion, or constitutionally protected activities absent probable cause tied to criminal conduct.

## Section 5. Mandatory Financial Transparency

1. All statewide elected officials, legislators, department heads, and senior appointed officials shall annually disclose:
a. Assets;
b. Debts;
c. Investments;
d. Business ownership interests;
e. Real property holdings;
f. Foreign financial interests;
g. Gifts exceeding statutory thresholds;
h. Immediate family business contracts involving the State.

2. These disclosures shall be maintained in a publicly searchable database.

3. Intentional falsification or concealment shall constitute felony public corruption.

## Section 6. Legislative Compliance Review

1. The Commission shall maintain a Legislative Compliance Analysis System comparing:
a. Campaign promises;
b. Public statements;
c. Bill sponsorships;
d. Recorded votes;
e. Major donor relationships;
f. County-level referendum outcomes;
g. Constituent polling data where available.

2. This review shall be informational only and may not independently trigger criminal penalties without evidence of unlawful conduct.

3. Reports shall be released publicly to ensure transparency to Michigan voters.

## Section 7. Investigative Authority

1. The Commission may:
a. Request records;
b. Conduct forensic audits;
c. Refer matters for criminal prosecution;
d. Recommend suspension from committees;
e. Recommend impeachment proceedings;
f. Seek judicial warrants for expanded investigations.

2. The Commission may not:
a. Conduct warrantless searches;
b. Freeze assets without judicial approval;
c. Seize property without due process;
d. Compel testimony violating constitutional protections.

## Section 8. Judicial Oversight Requirements

1. Any major enforcement action involving:
a. Asset freezes;
b. Property seizure;
c. Electronic surveillance;
d. Financial account restrictions;
e. Removal recommendations;
shall require:
i. Written approval from the Governor of Michigan; and
ii. Authorization from a review panel of three federal or state constitutional judges.

2. Emergency actions may be temporarily authorized only upon sworn evidence demonstrating immediate risk of destruction of evidence or unlawful transfer of assets.

## Section 9. Removal From Office

1. Any elected official convicted of:
a. Bribery;
b. Public corruption;
c. Fraud exceeding statutory thresholds;
d. Intentional misuse of public funds;
e. Criminal conspiracy involving public office;
shall face:
i. Immediate suspension pending appeal;
ii. Permanent removal upon final conviction;
iii. Disqualification from future Michigan public office for a minimum of fifteen years.

## Section 10. Asset Recovery and Financial Penalties

1. Courts may order:
a. Restitution;
b. Civil forfeiture tied directly to criminal conduct;
c. Recovery of unlawfully obtained taxpayer funds;
d. Freezing of accounts directly connected to proven corruption schemes.

2. Any seizure must be supported by:
a. Clear evidentiary findings;
b. Judicial authorization;
c. Full due process protections.

## Section 11. Citizen Complaint System

1. Michigan citizens may submit sworn ethics complaints to the Commission.

2. False knowingly malicious complaints intended to harass or defame shall constitute a misdemeanor offense.

3. Whistleblowers acting in good faith shall receive legal protection against retaliation.

## Section 12. Transparency and Public Reporting

1. Quarterly reports shall be released publicly detailing:
a. Investigations opened;
b. Investigations closed;
c. Referrals for prosecution;
d. Recovered taxpayer funds;
e. Ethics violations identified.

2. Classified or sealed investigations shall remain confidential until lawful disclosure is authorized.

## Section 13. Constitutional Compliance

Nothing in this Act shall supersede:
a. The Constitution of the United States;
b. The Constitution of the State of Michigan;
c. Rights involving due process, unlawful search protections, free speech, or equal protection under law.

## Section 14. Effective Date

This Act shall take effect ninety days after enactment.