FINGERPRINTS AS LEGAL SIGNATURE

House Bill 4258

Sponsor:  Rep. Fred Miller

Committee:  Government Operations

Complete to 2-11-05

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4258 AS INTRODUCED 2-10-05

Chapter 1 of the Revised Statutes of 1846 is entitled "Of the Statutes" and it deals in part with the construction of state statutes, including how certain words and phrases are to be understood.  The chapter provides that, as a matter of law, the words "written" and "in writing" may include printing, engraving, and lithographing, except in cases where an individual's written signature is required by law, in which case the signature shall be his or her proper handwriting or, if the person is unable to write, his or her "proper mark." House Bill 4258 would permit an individual who is unable to write to use his or her fingerprints as a written signature.  (Visible fingerprints would be included as a "proper mark.")

MCL 8.3q

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill does not appear to have any fiscal impact on the state or on local governments.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Mark Wolf

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Jan Wisniewski

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.