HB 5320 Michigan House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for flying over or trespassing on a key facility or critical infrastructure with an unmanned aircraft or vehicle; provide for. Amends 16b, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.16b). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5319'25

HB 5320 amends Michigan's criminal sentencing guidelines to specifically address unauthorized drone flights over or trespassing on critical infrastructure, such as power plants or bridges. It would establish new sentencing standards for individuals operating unmanned aircraft or vehicles near these facilities, directly affecting drone operators who violate these restrictions. The bill modifies Section 16b of the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.16b) to create clear penalties for such offenses, moving beyond general trespass laws. This change aims to strengthen legal consequences for drone-related threats to public safety infrastructure.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Dec 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House Passage

May 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Dec 2, 2025 Last action May 12, 2026

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What changed between versions

House Introduced Bill → Substitute (H-1) · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to add new felony offenses related to animal cruelty involving larger numbers of animals or repeat offenders, and to include crimes involving unmanned aircraft and directed energy devices. Additionally, a new offense was added for harassing law enforcement animals while committing a crime.

Scope change

The scope of the bill was expanded to include unmanned aircraft and directed energy devices, and to cover more severe instances of animal cruelty.

SCOPE

Added offenses for using unmanned aircraft to interfere with critical infrastructure and aiming directed energy devices at aircraft or trains.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new felony for harassing or harming law enforcement or search and rescue dogs while committing another crime.

Expanded animal cruelty offenses to include neglect of 10-24 animals or 2 prior convictions, and neglect of 25+ animals or 3+ prior convictions.

Added a new felony for animal neglect or cruelty by breeders or pet shop operators with 5 or more prior violations.

TECHNICAL

Removed specific legislative sponsor names and committee referral details from the header.

TIMELINE

Removed the specific year reference from the condition for the bill's effective date.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

substitute (H-1) adopted

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Committee

referred to second reading

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Lower · Passed

reported with recommendation with substitute (H-1)

lower

Dec 2, 2025

Committee

referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

lower

Dec 2, 2025

Introduced

introduced by Representative Rep. Tullio Liberati Jr.

lower

1 primary · 27 co-sponsors