A new Michigan law aims to slow the revolving door between holding public office and lobbying, creating a cooling-off period before state lawmakers, the governor and other officials can capitalize on their political experience in the private sector.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation into law July 27 requiring former state legislators, governors, lieutenant governors and executive branch department heads to wait two years before working as lobbyists.
The legislation also prevents current lawmakers from receiving compensation for lobbying activities in Michigan or another state.
The laws will take effect Jan. 1, 2027, at the start of a new legislative
session and when Michigan's new governor will take office. (Whitmer cannot run again due to term limits.) Violating the new law would be a misdemeanor punishable up to 90 days' imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine.
By slowing the transition time between holding office and lobbying, proponents of the waiting period argue it can prevent corruption or end a perception that instead of serving constituents, lawmakers want to position themselves for their next gig.
"By instituting a cooling-off period, we can help ensure decisions are made for the right reasons. This new law is about strengthening public trust and making it clear that public service comes before personal gain," said bill sponsor state Rep. Mark Tisdel, R-Rochester Hills, in a statement.
Various government watchdog groups have given Michigan poor ratings when it comes to its transparency and ethics laws. Michigan's new regulation on lobbying activities by former officials brings it in line with the majority of states with similar waiting periods in place, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Michigan still stands out nationally for exempting the governor and state lawmakers from its Freedom of Information Act, which requires the disclosure of records from public bodies throughout the state, from county commissions to sheriff's offices. Efforts to expand FOIA have routinely stalled in Michigan.
Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lobbying ban tackles one gap in Michigan ethics and transparency laws
