Lawmakers hear bill package to remove 10-day 'acceptance of office' form for school and community college boards

LANSING — The Michigan House Committee on Election Integrity on Tuesday heard testimony on a three‑bill package, House Bills 47‑93 through 47‑95, that would remove a statutory requirement that newly elected school board and community college board members sign a separate “acceptance of office” form within 10 days of certification.

Representative Sara Hoadley, who introduced the package, told the committee the bills are intended to remove what she described as a redundant filing requirement and to align those offices with other elected offices that use an affidavit of identity when filing and then take an oath after being sworn in.

“This law as it is is, in my view, redundant,” Hoadley said. “So when a candidate who commits to run for school board position and campaigns for months to win that should be held to the same standards as other elected officials.”

Former state Representative Steve Johnson testified in support and described his own experience after winning a school board election last year. Johnson said he received a call after certification informing him he had not signed an acceptance form within 10 days and that the board had appointed the person he had defeated to the seat.

“We actually got the most votes on election night,” Johnson said. He added that he believed he had until Jan. 1 to sign the oath of office and that the separate 10‑day acceptance form was unexpected. “Is that really necessary?” he asked, referring to the additional form.

Committee members pressed supporters for background on why the requirement exists. Representative Colazar asked whether any other offices had the 10‑day acceptance rule; Hoadley and Johnson said the committee’s review showed it applies only to school boards, intermediate school boards and community college boards.

Representative Altman said lawmakers had searched for the historical reason for the rule but found none. “Maybe there's a situation at one point, but we can't seem to find it,” Altman said, noting a possible notification issue in the statute. Several members said the oath of office, typically signed before Jan. 1, appears to make the earlier form unnecessary.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the package. Committee staff read in written testimony cards indicating support from groups and officials, including Melanie Macey with Promote the Vote (support), Sherry Richey representing Pure Integrity Michigan Elections (support), Erin Shore of the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) (support), and Katie Wutkowski representing the Michigan Community College Association (support). A member of the public, Lisa Capetina, spoke briefly but was redirected to address the specific bill package rather than general remarks about committee meetings.

No amendments or motions on House Bills 47‑93 through 47‑95 were recorded during the hearing; committee members said they would continue to work the bills through the committee process.

The committee moved on to separate legislation after the testimony and card read‑ins were completed.