February 1, 2005, Introduced by Senators GEORGE, KUIPERS, BASHAM, JELINEK, HARDIMAN, GARCIA, GOSCHKA, BIRKHOLZ, VAN WOERKOM, ALLEN, CHERRY, JACOBS, BRATER and TOY and referred to the Committee on Education.
A bill to prohibit the issuance and use of false academic
credentials; to prohibit false claims concerning academic
credentials; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state
officials; and to prescribe civil sanctions.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the
"authentic credentials in education act".
Sec. 2. As used in this act:
(a) "Academic credential" means a degree or a diploma,
transcript, educational or completion certificate, or similar
document that indicates completion of a program of study or
instruction, completion of 1 or more courses, or the grant of an
associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral degree.
(b) "Department" means the department of labor and economic
growth.
(c) "False academic credential" means an academic credential
issued or manufactured by a person that is not a qualified
institution.
(d) "Qualified institution" means any of the following:
(i) An institution of higher education, as that term is defined
in 20 USC 1001, located in the United States.
(ii) Any other institution of higher education determined by
the department to meet standards of academic quality comparable to
those of an institution of higher education described in
subparagraph (i) and designated by the department as a qualified
institution.
Sec. 3. A person shall not knowingly issue or manufacture a
false academic credential. If the director of the department finds
that a person has violated this section, the director may assess a
civil fine against that person of not more than $20,000.00.
Sec. 4. (1) An individual shall not knowingly use a false
academic credential to obtain employment; to obtain a promotion or
higher compensation in employment; to obtain admission to a
qualified institution; or in connection with any loan, business,
trade, profession, or occupation.
(2) An individual who does not have an academic credential
shall not knowingly use or claim to have that academic credential
to obtain employment or a promotion or higher compensation in
employment; to obtain admission to a qualified institution; or in
connection with any loan, business, trade, profession, or
occupation.
(3) If the director of the department finds that an individual
has violated this section, the director may assess a civil fine
against that individual of not more than $1,000.00.