SB 294 strengthens Michigan's animal cruelty laws by increasing penalties for harming companion animals (like pets and service animals) and adding new requirements for convicted individuals. It classifies offenses into three degrees (with first-degree punishable by up to 10 years in prison) and mandates courts to order restitution for animal care costs, including veterinary treatment and shelter. The bill also allows courts to prohibit convicted individuals from owning animals for a specified period or permanently. Exemptions cover lawful activities like hunting, farming, and veterinary care. This law directly affects people convicted of animal cruelty, particularly those targeting companion animals.
This bill amends the Michigan Amber Alert Act to expand when the state's Amber Alert system can be activated for missing children. It requires the Department of State Police to issue an Amber Alert for any missing child with special needs or for any missing child who law enforcement believes is in danger after a preliminary investigation. The bill defines "child with special needs" as someone under 26 who has a qualifying impairment, requires special education services, and has not yet graduated high school. The legislation also establishes that this act may be known as the "Rowan Act" and was introduced by Senator Sean McCann in March 2026.
SB 520 amends Michigan's penal code to increase penalties for certain prostitution-related offenses. It raises the maximum penalty for basic violations (under sections 462b-462d) from 10 years to 20 years in prison and from $10,000 to $20,000 in fines. The bill specifically targets individuals who violate these sections, including those operating or facilitating commercial sex, and updates penalties for more severe outcomes like bodily injury or serious harm. These changes apply to anyone convicted under the amended sections of the law. The bill does not alter the scope of prohibited conduct, only the severity of potential punishments.
SB 705 amends Michigan's prostitution laws (MCL 750.448-451, 454, 462) to adjust penalties for repeat offenses, require mandatory reporting of minors involved in prostitution, and establish diversion programs. It increases penalties to misdemeanors (up to 93 days/$500) for first offenses, felonies (up to 5 years/$4,000) for two or more prior convictions, and adds a presumption of coercion for minors (under 18) involved in prostitution - requiring prosecutors to prove otherwise. The bill mandates law enforcement to report minors to health services within 24 hours and requires investigations into potential human trafficking. It directly affects individuals engaging in prostitution, property owners leasing for such purposes, and law enforcement handling cases involving minors.
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.
SB 362 updates Michigan's definition of "racketeering" in the penal code to explicitly include "a felony violation of the identity theft protection act" (2004 PA 452). This means identity theft crimes now qualify as racketeering offenses, allowing prosecutors to pursue them under more severe racketeering statutes. The change directly affects individuals convicted of identity theft, as it expands the legal framework for charging such cases. The bill revises Section 159g of the penal code to add this specific reference, without creating new penalties or altering existing laws.
SB 155 amends sentencing guidelines to address crimes specifically targeting access to healthcare facilities, such as blocking entrances or threatening staff. It would establish new sentencing standards for these offenses under Michigan's criminal code (MCL 777.13n). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of obstructing healthcare access, potentially altering their prison terms or penalties. However, the provided context does not detail the exact sentencing changes or specific crime definitions. This summary is based solely on the bill's title and official reference, without additional policy specifics.
SB 217 increases penalties for drivers who commit moving violations (like speeding or reckless driving) that cause physical injury or death to pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable roadway users. It amends Michigan's criminal code (MCL 777.12e) to enhance the penalties for these specific offenses. The bill directly affects drivers whose actions result in harm to non-motorized road users, raising the legal consequences for such incidents.
