Corrections: other; strip searches according to biological sex by MDOC facilities; require. Amends sec. 69a of 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.269a).

HB 5491 requires that pat-down searches of visitors and strip searches of prisoners in Michigan state correctional facilities be conducted by staff of the same biological sex as the person being searched. This directly affects visitors to prisons and incarcerated individuals. The bill defines "biological sex" as sex characteristics present at birth (including chromosomes, hormones, and genitalia), excluding gender identity or self-identification. Visitors may opt out of the same-sex requirement by signing a waiver, but strip searches of prisoners must always follow the same-sex rule.