Criminal Justice (Policing)

in committee · Michigan · House Jun 25, 2026

HB 6128: State agencies (existing): generally; use of open fields doctrine by law enforcement officers and state agencies; prohibit. Creates new act.

This bill prohibits law enforcement officers and state agency employees in Michigan from using the "open fields doctrine" during searches. The open fields doctrine is a legal rule that currently allows police to search open areas without a warrant, but this legislation would remove that exception for state-level searches. As a result, any search conducted by these officials in open fields would require a warrant or another valid legal justification. The law directly affects state departments, boards, and commissions, as well as the officers and agents who work for them.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts warrantless searches in open fields, enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · Michigan · House May 13, 2026

HB 5950: Traffic control: driver license; communication impediment decal for vehicles; provide for. Amends sec. 5 of 2008 PA 23 (MCL 28.305). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5949'26

This bill amends Michigan's enhanced driver license and identification card laws to allow individuals to voluntarily include a "communication impediment" designation on their ID. The designation is intended for people with conditions like deafness or autism that may hinder communication with police officers. Under the new rules, law enforcement personnel with authorized access to a specific state network would be able to view this designation. The bill also clarifies privacy protections, ensuring that Social Security numbers and other personal data are not printed on the front of the card. Additionally, it establishes procedures for the Secretary of State to cancel or revoke this designation if the underlying health condition no longer exists, following a notice and hearing process for the cardholder.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability and protects civil rights by allowing individuals with communication impediments to flag their status, reducing potential misunderstandings during law enforcement interactions.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enhances digital privacy by allowing individuals to control sensitive medical/disability data on ID cards, ensuring law enforcement access is limited to authorized personnel only.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Data Privacy

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passed · Michigan · House May 12, 2026

HR 310: A resolution to declare May 10-16, 2026, as Police Week in the state of Michigan.

This resolution designates the week of May 10-16, 2026, as Police Week throughout the state of Michigan to honor law enforcement officers. The measure directly affects the state legislature and serves as a formal recognition for the approximately 18,000 full-time uniformed police officers serving in Michigan. By adopting this declaration, the House of Representatives acknowledges the bravery and sacrifices of current officers and those who have died in the line of duty. The primary action is symbolic, establishing a specific timeframe for citizens and officials to express appreciation for public safety workers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill honors law enforcement officers, aligning with indicators that support the topic by protecting and recognizing those serving in criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 22, 2026

HB 5834: Gaming: other; authority to obtain criminal history records and fingerprints; provide for. Amends sec. 19 of 2019 PA 152 (MCL 432.319).

This bill amends Michigan's Internet Gaming Act to require the state gaming board to collect fingerprints and conduct criminal history checks on individuals applying for or holding licenses related to internet gaming. The law mandates that applicants and licensees consent to these background investigations, which include searches by the Department of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Specifically, the requirement applies to game dealers, technology staff, supervisors, and high-level executives of gaming suppliers and their parent companies. The bill also establishes that the state police must retain these fingerprints in automated systems to automatically alert the board if any matches are found for new criminal arrests.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by mandating background checks and fingerprinting for gaming licensees, enhancing public safety and law enforcement oversight.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 22, 2026

HB 5832: Gaming: other; authority to obtain criminal history records and fingerprints; provide for. Amends sec. 21 of 1996 IL 1 (MCL 432.221).

This bill requires the Michigan Gaming Control Board to obtain criminal history records and fingerprints for a wide range of individuals involved in the state's gaming industry. The law mandates that applicants for casino, supplier, and occupational licenses, as well as current and prospective employees and contractors, must submit fingerprints for checks with the Department of State Police and the FBI. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of State Police to retain these fingerprints in an automated system to automatically alert the board if new criminal arrests match existing records. The legislation also clarifies that the board cannot share these criminal history results with private entities and allows the state police to charge a fee for conducting these checks.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates background checks and fingerprinting for gaming industry personnel, enhancing public safety and law enforcement oversight.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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passed · Michigan · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 892: Law enforcement: reports; Michigan Amber alert act; modify. Amends title & sec. 3 of 2002 PA 712 (MCL 28.753).

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands Amber Alert system to protect vulnerable children, enhancing law enforcement response and public safety within criminal justice framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 831: Law enforcement: investigations; minor confidential informant; require parental consent for children under the age of 18. Creates new act.

This Michigan bill requires law enforcement agencies to obtain written parental consent before using minors under 18 as confidential informants or active participants in law enforcement activities. The law defines specific types of law enforcement agencies covered, including state police, local police departments, and university police, while excluding individuals who voluntarily report crimes without being recontacted for additional information. Parents or legal guardians can seek court orders to stop agencies from using their children in these roles if consent requirements are not met, and the bill mandates that agencies pay court costs and attorney fees along with damages ranging from $500 to $1,000 if they violate the consent provision. The legislation does not apply to minors who are legally emancipated under existing state law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability by requiring parental consent for minors as confidential informants, protecting civil rights and limiting potential abuse of power in law enforcement investigations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · Michigan · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 5706: Law enforcement: local police; reimbursement from the highway safety fund to local law enforcement agencies for assisting certain vehicle crashes; provide for. Amends sec. 629e of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.629e). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5705'26

HB 5706 amends Michigan's vehicle code to establish a reimbursement mechanism for local law enforcement agencies that assist with certain vehicle crashes. The bill creates a funding pathway where local police departments can receive financial support from the highway safety fund when they provide assistance at vehicle crash scenes. This provision directly affects local law enforcement agencies and the state highway safety fund, allowing for reimbursement of costs incurred during crash assistance operations. The bill is tied to companion legislation HB 5705 and requires both measures to be enacted together for the changes to take effect.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides funding mechanism for local law enforcement to assist vehicle crashes, strengthening police resources and operational capacity within criminal justice system.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes funding mechanism for local law enforcement assistance at vehicle crashes, enhancing transportation safety through crash scene support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Roads & Highways

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passed · Michigan · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 891: Law enforcement: reports; communications under the Amber alert act; modify. Amends title & secs. 1, 2 & 5 of 2002 PA 713 (MCL 28.761 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0892'26

This bill updates Michigan's Child Abduction Broadcast Act to rename it the Child Abduction and Missing Child Broadcast Act and expand how radio and television stations can share information about missing children. It allows broadcasters to disseminate child abduction alerts through various channels, including social media, when they receive information from the Michigan Department of State Police under the existing Amber Alert system. The legislation also provides legal immunity to broadcasters who accurately share this information from the state police. The bill will not take effect unless it is passed together with a companion bill, SB 892.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens law enforcement capabilities by expanding Amber Alert communications and protecting broadcasters, directly supporting criminal justice efforts to protect children.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill expands technology use for child safety by allowing broadcasters to share alerts via social media, enhancing digital communication for public safety.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Social Media

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passed both · Michigan · House Jun 11, 2026

HB 5574: Crimes: public office and officers; intimidating or harassing an individual based on actual or perceived employment as a first responder; prohibit, and provide penalties. Amends 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.1 - 750.568) by adding sec. 409c. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5575'26

HB 5574 prohibits approaching within 25 feet of a first responder who is lawfully performing their duties after being verbally warned not to approach, if the person intends to interfere, threaten, or harass them. It directly affects individuals who target first responders (like police, firefighters, or EMTs) during emergency operations. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to 60 days in jail or $500 fines, but become felonies causing injury (up to 2 years) or death (up to 15 years), with fines up to $7,500. The law focuses on preventing direct obstruction or harm during critical incidents, not general public behavior.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects first responders from harassment during duties, strengthening law enforcement safety and accountability within criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing

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