"As legislators, we have massive amounts of information presented to us during committee hearings," Rep. Spade
said. "We must be able to trust that the information we are receiving from these individuals is truthful to
the best of their ability, especially in the current era of term limits. By making all testimony presented subject to
the penalties of perjury, these bills will help ensure that the decisions made by this body are based in
fact."
While decisions of the legislature, like those made in a courtroom, have direct bearing on Michigan's laws and
the lives of it's citizens, there is currently no legal penalty for providing false information to the members in a
committee or subcommittee. Since the legislative process relies on the input of citizens, legislative
departments, and other groups to make sure that the laws passed are balanced and do not have unintended consequences,
honesty and forthrightness are imperative in the committee process.
"We must have greater protection when the interests of an individual or state department run contrary to best
interest of