LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan House today approved Speaker Pro Tem Rachelle Smit’s legislation to eliminate an outdated paperwork requirement that has, in some cases, prevented duly elected school board members from taking office.

House Bill 4795, sponsored by Smit, removes the redundant “acceptance of office” form that candidates have been required to sign in addition to taking their oath. The change streamlines election procedures, reduces unnecessary red tape, and protects the will of Michigan voters.

The issue gained statewide attention after former state Rep. Steve Johnson was elected to the Hopkins Public Schools Board of Education but blocked from serving because he missed the ten-day filing window for the acceptance form. His experience, first reported by Citizen Portal, raised concerns that the outdated rule could be used to invalidate elections and silence voters.

Smit said she didn’t go looking for the issue — it was brought to her by concerned residents who feared the same problem could occur in Allegan County and across the state.

“I didn’t go looking for this issue — it was brought to me by concerned citizens who saw firsthand how an outdated process was being weaponized against a qualified community member,” Smit said. “What happened here at home made clear this wasn’t just a local problem, but a statewide one. I’m proud that our work on this bill will protect voters’ intent and ensure no Michigander is ever disqualified from serving their community because of unnecessary, duplicative paperwork.”

Johnson, who shared his story before the House Election Integrity Committee, applauded Smit’s leadership in fixing the problem.

“I am grateful for Rep. Smit’s leadership in passing this legislation that removes unnecessary and duplicative paperwork that only serves to disenfranchise the voters,” Johnson said. “She listened when others ignored the issue and delivered a solution that helps every community in Michigan.”

Under current law, newly elected school board and community college trustees must file both an oath of office and a separate acceptance form before taking office. Smit’s legislation removes the redundant filing, allowing officials to begin serving immediately once election results are certified.

The bill passed the House with unanimous bipartisan support, following a 9-0 committee vote earlier this fall. It was endorsed by the Michigan Association of School Boards, the Michigan Department of State, and Promote the Vote as a commonsense fix to prevent technical disqualifications and preserve voter intent.

House Bill 4795 now advances to the Michigan Senate for further consideration.

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Media Contact:
Dakota Gordon | (615) 838-1063 | [email protected]