House Bill 5091 introduced today by Rep. Donni Steele aims to amend the Public Officers Financial Disclosure Act (2023 PA 281) to enhance transparency and accountability for Local elected officials in Michigan. The bill expands financial reporting requirements for county commissioners and executive directors in counties with populations exceeding 150,000, affecting 16 counties across the state.

Steele, a lifelong resident of Oakland County, states “Recent actions by the Oakland County Government lack transparency, This essential legislation will ensure full disclosure of recently alleged nefarious activities.”

The legislation requires these public officers to file annual financial disclosure reports detailing income, liabilities, and gifts. Covered income includes salaries, wages, bonuses, dividends, pensions, and other earnings, excluding inheritances and family gifts. Liabilities such as mortgages must be reported, with exemptions for revolving debt, certain unsecured debts, and business-related obligations. Gifts reportable under Michigan lobbying laws must also be disclosed.

“Transparency is the cornerstone of public trust,” said Rep. Steele. “This bill ensures residents have clear insight into potential conflicts of interest, fostering greater confidence in our government’s decision-making.”

The Secretary of State will develop a standardized disclosure form for public officers to submit reports covering the previous calendar year. The bill applies to officials in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kent, Genesee, Washtenaw, Ottawa, Ingham, Kalamazoo, Livingston, Saginaw, Muskegon, St. Clair, Jackson, Monroe, and Berrien counties, which collectively represent populations ranging from 151,113 to 1,735,623.