SB 156 expands the authority of Michigan's Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to investigate complaints about the Department of Corrections. The bill requires the ombudsman to create a standardized complaint form (available online and in correctional facilities) and grants access to department records - including prisoner medical, mental health, and mortality records - without needing a release. It also allows the ombudsman to enter correctional facilities for inspections at any time (including emergencies like riots), consult with qualified experts after background checks, and hold informal hearings. This directly affects prisoners, their family members, prisoner advocates, and the Department of Corrections by strengthening oversight of correctional operations.
Senate Bill 221 establishes a new process for individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses who have mental health issues. The bill allows for the diversion of these defendants into assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) if the prosecuting attorney, defendant, and defense counsel agree to an assessment and the defendant meets the AOT criteria. If a court orders AOT for up to 180 days, the misdemeanor charges remain pending but are dismissed after 90 days (or 180 days for serious misdemeanors). This diversion pathway provides an alternative to standard mental competency procedures for eligible misdemeanor offenders.
Senate Bill 257 extends the time limit for civil lawsuits filed by individuals who were victims of criminal sexual conduct as minors. It raises the age by which a victim can file a claim from 28 to 42 years old and increases the period for filing after discovering the injury from three to seven years. The bill also allows these lawsuits to be brought at any time if a criminal conviction for the
Senate Bill 258 amends Michigan's Revised Judicature Act of 1961, which governs the time limits for filing civil lawsuits. The bill modifies the statute of limitations for civil actions seeking damages related to criminal sexual conduct. It achieves this by changing the definition of "criminal sexual conduct" that applies to the 10-year limitation period, directing the definition to a separate
Senate Bill 260 amends Michigan's governmental immunity act, specifically for public universities, colleges, and school districts. It removes their immunity from tort liability in cases of criminal sexual conduct committed by their employees or agents. These institutions can be held liable if they were negligent in hiring, supervision, or training, or if they had knowledge of the conduct and failed to report it to law enforcement. However, liability is only imposed if the institution also had prior knowledge of the individual's propensity for or previous acts of criminal sexual conduct and failed to intervene to prevent the subsequent conduct.
Senate Bill 259 revises the statute of limitations for certain claims made against the state of Michigan. While most claims against the state remain subject to a three-year filing deadline, this bill specifically exempts claims related to criminal sexual conduct violations from this general time limit (MCL 600.5851b). The bill makes these changes retroactive, applying to relevant legal actions that are currently pending or are filed in the future. This legislation is tied to two other Senate Bills and will only take effect if they are also enacted.
This bill allocates $2.25 billion in state funding for Michigan's Department of Corrections for fiscal year 2025-2026. It covers administrative costs (including staff salaries and pensions), inmate reentry programs (like education and job training), parole services, and facility operations (including body-worn cameras and housing). The funding directly supports 13,207 correctional staff positions and services for inmates, such as vocational programs and transitional housing. It does not create new programs but provides budgetary support for existing department functions.
SB 170 is a budget bill that allocates $393.39 million in state funds to support Michigan's judiciary for fiscal year 2025-2026. It directly funds court operations, including the Supreme Court ($102.8 million), Court of Appeals ($27.7 million), and judicial salaries for approximately 591 judges across all courts. Key provisions include funding for court administration, problem-solving courts, technology systems, and specialized programs like foster care review and drug treatment courts. The bill specifies exact amounts for each judicial branch and program without changing existing laws or creating new policies. This is a routine funding measure for the state's court system, not a substantive policy change.
Senate Bill 114 allows counties or regions in Michigan to create vulnerable adult multidisciplinary teams. These teams, comprising public and private professionals such as law enforcement, adult protective services, and healthcare providers, are designed to prevent, investigate, and prosecute the abuse and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. The bill permits team members to share information for their duties, but requires strict confidentiality and sworn statements. Importantly, the information and records produced by these teams are exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, and their meetings are not subject to the Open Meetings Act.
Senate Bill 112 amends Michigan's penal code to expand the definition of "racketeering." The bill specifically adds the crime of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult to the list of offenses that can be considered racketeering activity. This change means that individuals who commit embezzlement against vulnerable adults could be prosecuted under racketeering laws, which are typically associated with organized crime and may carry more severe penalties. The bill aims to strengthen legal protections against the financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
