HB 5037 extends the statute of limitations for certain criminal sexual conduct offenses involving victims under 18 years old. Specifically, it increases the time limit for filing indictments from 10 years to 15 years after the offense, or until the victim turns 28 - whichever is later. The bill also allows indefinite filing for cases where DNA evidence identifies the perpetrator, with charges needing to be filed within 15 years of identification. This change directly affects victims of these specific offenses and prosecutors seeking to pursue charges, providing more time to identify perpetrators and file cases.
HB 4948 modifies sentencing guidelines for retail sales of products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, which are ingredients commonly found in cold medicines but can be misused to make illegal drugs like methamphetamine. The bill specifically targets retailers who sell these products, altering the legal penalties for violations related to such sales. It amends Michigan's criminal procedure code (MCL 777.13m) to adjust how courts handle these offenses. The bill is currently under review in the Judiciary Committee after being referred for second reading.
HB 4596 clarifies the timeline for dismissing criminal charges against defendants deemed incompetent to stand trial in Michigan. It requires charges to be dismissed 15 months after the defendant was initially found incompetent or after they began treatment to become competent - whichever comes first. Prosecutors may refile charges for life felony offenses if the defendant later becomes competent, but only after a court hearing confirming competency. The bill also adds requirements for courts to notify attorneys and medical supervisors when dismissal orders expire or are voided.
HB 4716 increases criminal penalties for insurance fraud in Michigan based on the amount of fraudulent claims or number of claims involved. It raises maximum prison terms from 4 years to 20 years and fines up to $50,000, with higher penalties for larger frauds (e.g., $100,000+ claims or 100+ claims) or repeat offenses. The law requires courts to order restitution to victims and allows aggregating claims made within any 12-month period to determine penalty levels. This directly affects individuals committing fraud, as well as insurers or practitioners found responsible for fraudulent acts under Michigan law.
HB 4717 amends Michigan's criminal code by adding insurance fraud to the legal definition of racketeering under MCL 750.159g. This change directly affects cases involving insurance fraud, making it a specific type of racketeering offense rather than a separate crime. The key provision updates the statute to explicitly include insurance fraud within the broader racketeering definition used for prosecution. As a substantive policy change, this alters how such fraud cases are categorized and prosecuted under state law.
HB 4048 adds a new sentencing guideline for distributing intimate deepfake sexual images with aggravating circumstances, classifying it as a Class F felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison. This directly affects individuals convicted of disseminating such deepfakes, particularly those with prior offenses under Michigan law. The bill amends sentencing guidelines in Chapter XVII of the Michigan Penal Code to specifically address this crime, establishing a clear penalty framework for courts to apply. It became effective immediately upon the Governor's approval on August 26, 2025.
HB 4018 clarifies when juveniles aged 16-17 can be transported with adults during custody. The bill specifies that juveniles may only be transported with an adult who is 25 or younger if both were taken into custody simultaneously for the same offense or occupied the same vehicle during the offense. It requires juveniles to be separated from adults "at the earliest available time" after arrival. This directly affects law enforcement and juvenile justice systems handling cases involving older juveniles (16-17) and young adults (under 25) who commit offenses together. The amendment updates Michigan's Probate Code to provide clear, specific conditions for this exception to standard juvenile detention rules.
