Criminal Justice

in committee · Michigan · House Jun 17, 2026

HB 6081: Criminal procedure: preliminary examination; certain rules and procedures for conducting a preliminary examination; revise. Amends sec. 11b, ch. VI of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 766.11b) & adds sec. 11c to ch. VI.

This bill proposes to change the rules for preliminary examinations in Michigan criminal cases, which are early court hearings to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with a felony trial. Currently, the bill would allow prosecutors and defense attorneys to introduce certain reports, such as drug test results and forensic lab findings, without needing the original author to testify in court. The legislation also establishes a specific timeline where these relaxed evidence rules would take effect on January 1, 2027, replacing the current requirement that live testimony be available for most evidence. By removing the application of standard evidence rules for future cases, the bill aims to streamline the process of deciding whether a defendant should be held for trial.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill streamlines preliminary examinations by allowing evidence introduction without original author testimony, improving judicial efficiency and reducing unnecessary court delays.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 17, 2026

HB 6092: Criminal procedure: DNA; postconviction DNA testing; modify. Amends sec. 16, ch. X of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 770.16).

This bill modifies Michigan's existing laws regarding post-conviction DNA testing to allow certain defendants to request new trials based on DNA evidence. It primarily affects individuals convicted of felonies before January 8, 2001, who are currently serving prison sentences, enabling them to petition for DNA testing of biological material collected during their original investigation. The legislation outlines specific conditions under which courts must grant testing, such as when the material has not been previously tested or when newer technology could yield more accurate results. If the testing excludes the defendant as the source of the biological material, the court must appoint counsel and hold a hearing to determine if a new trial is warranted. Additionally, the bill requires that victims be notified of these petitions and ensures that the costs of testing are covered by the state if the defendant cannot afford them.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables post-conviction DNA testing to correct wrongful convictions, directly advancing criminal justice reform and protecting civil rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 25, 2026

HR 338: A resolution to urge the Trump Administration not to use Naval Station Guantánamo Bay for the detention of migrants, to urge the federal government to lift coercive economic measures against Cuba, and to urge the Administration to abandon any plans for military action against Cuba.

This House resolution urges the Trump Administration to stop using Naval Station Guantánamo Bay for detaining migrants, including any future surges from Cuba. It calls for the immediate suspension of the migrant detention program and the permanent closure of the facility, citing concerns over past abuses, legal challenges regarding due process, and the high financial cost of the operation. Additionally, the bill asks the federal government to lift economic sanctions and a fuel blockade against Cuba that the text claims have worsened the island's humanitarian crisis and driven mass emigration. Finally, it requests that the administration abandon any plans for military action against Cuba to prevent further instability and suffering.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill opposes using a detention facility known for due process violations and past abuses, thereby protecting civil rights and limiting coercive measures.75% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill opposes using Guantánamo for migrant detention, citing abuse and due process concerns, thereby protecting immigrant rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 6051: Civil procedure: other; civil actions for criminal sexual conduct; provide exception to notice requirements for actions filed in the court of claims. Amends sec. 6431 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.6431). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6047'26

This bill modifies Michigan's civil procedure rules to create an exception to the standard notice requirements for lawsuits involving criminal sexual conduct. Currently, individuals must file a written notice with the Court of Claims within one year of an incident to sue the state, but this legislation would allow those filing such specific sexual conduct claims to bypass that initial filing step. The change directly affects victims of criminal sexual conduct who wish to pursue legal action against the state, removing the immediate administrative hurdle of submitting a preliminary claim. The bill is tied to another piece of legislation, meaning it will only become effective if that companion bill is also passed into law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes procedural barriers for victims of criminal sexual conduct, facilitating access to justice and strengthening civil remedies.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 3, 2026

HB 6028: Courts: veteran's court; veterans treatment court; modify. Amends secs. 1200, 1201, 1203, 1205, 1206 & 1209 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.1200 et seq.).

This bill modifies Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the definitions and operational requirements for veterans treatment courts. It clarifies who qualifies as a veteran for these programs, including those with specific service-connected mental health conditions, and establishes a non-adversarial approach that integrates drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment with the justice system. To implement these courts, the legislation requires local courts to form formal agreements with prosecutors, defense attorneys, community providers, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure coordinated support and monitoring. Additionally, the bill allows for transferring eligible participants between jurisdictions to ensure access to these specialized programs when local options are unavailable.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens veterans treatment courts by clarifying eligibility and integrating rehabilitation, reducing recidivism through a non-adversarial approach.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens mental health services by integrating treatment with the justice system and clarifying eligibility for veterans.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands veteran benefits by creating/modifying treatment courts to provide integrated mental health and substance abuse services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Mental Health Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 6050: Torts: governmental immunity; governmental agency and employee liability for criminal sexual conduct; allow. Amends sec. 7 of 1964 PA 170 (MCL 691.1407) by adding sec. 7d.

This bill creates a specific exception to governmental immunity in Michigan, allowing public universities, colleges, and school districts to be sued for criminal sexual conduct committed by their employees. Under the new provisions, an institution can be held liable if it was negligent in hiring, supervising, or training the employee, or if it knew or should have known about the misconduct and failed to report it to law enforcement. Additionally, liability may arise if the school district had prior knowledge of the employee's history of sexual misconduct and did not intervene to prevent further acts. The law clarifies that a criminal conviction is not required for a lawsuit to proceed, ensuring that victims can seek civil remedies even if the perpetrator avoids criminal charges.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances accountability for institutions regarding employee misconduct, aligning with protecting civil rights and improving oversight in criminal justice contexts.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens accountability for sexual misconduct in schools, protecting students and educators by allowing lawsuits against negligent institutions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 16, 2026

HB 6078: Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for violations of the virtual currency kiosk prevention act; provide for. Amends sec. 14h, ch XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.14h). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6077'26

This bill proposes to update the sentencing guidelines in Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure to specifically address violations of the Virtual Currency Kiosk Prevention Act. By amending existing law, it aims to provide clearer instructions for judges on how to determine appropriate punishments for crimes related to illegal virtual currency kiosks. The legislation does not create new offenses but rather refines the legal framework used to sentence individuals who break these specific rules.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill clarifies sentencing guidelines for virtual currency kiosks, strengthening the legal framework and ensuring consistent judicial application of criminal justice laws.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens consumer protection by refining sentencing for illegal virtual currency kiosks, aligning with indicators for supporting technology regulation.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 1057: Occupations: individual licensing and registration; preliminary determination process for certain applicants seeking licensure or registration; modify. Amends secs. 202, 203 & 217 of 2016 PA 407 (MCL 339.5202 et seq.).

This bill modifies Michigan's skilled trades regulation act to create a preliminary determination process for individuals with criminal convictions who are seeking professional licenses. Under the new rules, applicants can submit a request to the department to get an early assessment of whether their past court judgments would likely lead to a license denial based on good moral character requirements. The department must provide this written decision within 60 days and cannot require the applicant to complete education or training before making this initial review. Additionally, the bill requires the department to publish an annual report detailing the number of license denials and the specific criminal offenses that led to those decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates a preliminary determination process for applicants with criminal convictions, promoting rehabilitation and reducing barriers to employment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Tags Licensing

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 16, 2026

HB 6077: Consumer protection: other; virtual currency kiosks; prohibit the operation of. Creates new act.

This bill, known as the Virtual Currency Kiosk Prevention Act, prohibits the operation of physical terminals in Michigan that facilitate buying, selling, or exchanging virtual currency for cash or bank credit. It defines these terminals as devices that connect to external exchanges or hold the operator's own virtual currency and applies to any business or individual running them. Violators face felony charges with penalties including up to five years in prison, fines of up to $50,000, or community service, with harsher sentences of up to ten years and higher fines if vulnerable adults are harmed or significant financial losses occur. The law also grants the attorney general and county prosecutors the power to seek injunctions, recover collected fees, and confiscate the kiosks themselves.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by prohibiting virtual currency kiosks and imposing felony charges, restricting access to financial services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Tags Consumer Protection

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 6047: Civil procedure: statute of limitations; civil actions for criminal sexual conduct; extend period of limitations, and add grace period for past occurrences. Amends sec. 5851b of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 500.5851b).

This bill extends the time limit for survivors of criminal sexual conduct to file civil lawsuits for damages, raising the maximum age to file from 28 to 42 and adding a seven-year window based on when the injury is discovered. It also creates a special revival window for claims that were previously barred, allowing victims who were minors between 1997 and the bill's effective date to sue if the alleged perpetrator was convicted and admitted to abusing their authority or engaging in unethical medical conduct. Additionally, the legislation sets a cap of $1.5 million in damages for each incident involving a single defendant in these specific cases. The law applies to incidents of criminal sexual conduct regardless of whether a criminal prosecution was ever brought or resulted in a conviction, provided the civil suit is filed within the new extended deadlines.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill extends statute of limitations for sexual assault survivors, enhancing access to justice and victim protection within the criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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