Criminal Justice

passed · Michigan · Senate May 20, 2026

SR 124: A resolution to recognize May 2026 as Treatment Court Month.

This Senate resolution designates May 2026 as Treatment Court Month to honor the work of treatment courts across the state and nation. The measure does not alter any laws or create new programs; instead, it serves as a formal recognition of these courts' role in helping individuals with substance use and mental health challenges. By highlighting the success of these specialized courts, the bill aims to raise public awareness about their impact on community safety and individual recovery.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill recognizes treatment courts which reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 909: Civil procedure: remedies; wrongful imprisonment compensation act; modify evidence requirements. Amends secs. 2, 4, 5 & 7 of 2016 PA 343 (MCL 691.1752 et seq.).

Senate Bill 909 modifies Michigan's Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act to clarify the rules for individuals seeking financial compensation after being wrongly convicted and imprisoned. The bill updates legal definitions for terms like 'new evidence' and 'plaintiff' while establishing specific requirements for filing a compensation claim, such as proving innocence through new evidence or a gubernatorial pardon. It also introduces a process to notify victims of the original crime about compensation applications and outlines how discovery and legal arguments will proceed during these cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens wrongful imprisonment compensation, protecting civil rights and supporting criminal justice reform by aiding those wrongly convicted.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights

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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 May 14, 2026

HB 5958: Crimes: other; crime of public defecation; establish. Amends 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.1 - 750.568) by adding sec. 335b.

This bill proposes to make defecating in public places, such as streets, sidewalks, and parks, a misdemeanor offense in Michigan. It directly affects individuals who use public areas for bathroom needs outside of designated sanitary facilities. The law sets penalties of up to 60 days in jail and a $250 fine for standard violations, while increasing the maximum jail time to 90 days and the fine to $500 if the incident occurs near a gathering of ten or more people. The definition of a public place includes any area open to the general public in publicly owned buildings or businesses. The changes would take effect 90 days after the bill is officially signed into law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes public defecation, expanding criminal law enforcement scope and imposing penalties, which aligns with strengthening criminal justice measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 22, 2026

HB 5827: Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for crimes under the death with dignity act; establish. Amends secs. 13n & 16p, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.13n & 777.16p). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5825'26

HB 5827 amends Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure to establish specific sentencing guidelines for crimes committed under the Death with Dignity Act. The bill directly affects judges and prosecutors by providing a structured framework for determining appropriate sentences in cases involving physician-assisted suicide. By modifying sections 13n and 16p of the state code, the legislation ensures that sentencing practices for these specific offenses are codified within existing legal procedures.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes clear sentencing guidelines for physician-assisted suicide cases, enhancing judicial consistency and protecting civil rights within the criminal justice framework.85% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill establishes sentencing guidelines for crimes under the Death with Dignity Act, effectively regulating and restricting physician-assisted suicide, a healthcare service.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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passed · Michigan · House Aug 25, 2026

HB 5920: Legislature: legislative agencies; office of legislative corrections ombudsman; expand powers and duties. Amends secs. 1, 4 & 5 of 1975 PA 46 (MCL 4.351 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5921'26

HB 5920 expands the powers of Michigan's Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to better investigate issues within the Department of Corrections. The bill allows the ombudsman to launch investigations based on complaints from prisoners, legislators, or family members, as well as on their own initiative regarding safety and security concerns. Key provisions include granting the ombudsman access to medical and mortality records, the ability to hire qualified experts for inspections, and the authority to enter correctional facilities at any time, including during emergencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens oversight of the Department of Corrections by expanding the Ombudsman's investigative powers and access to records, enhancing accountability and prisoner safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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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 23, 2026

HB 5870: Courts: judges; circuit court and district court judgeship to Kalamazoo County; increase. Amends secs. 510 & 8117 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.510 & 600.8117).

This bill proposes to increase the number of judges available in Kalamazoo County by adding one new position to both the circuit court and the district court. The changes would take effect on January 1, 2025, for the circuit court and January 1, 2027, for the district court, allowing the courts to handle more cases with additional judicial staff. By amending existing state laws, the legislation directly impacts the judicial structure of the ninth judicial circuit and the eighth district within Kalamazoo County.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreasing judicial staff improves court efficiency and access to justice, which strengthens the criminal justice system's capacity to handle cases fairly.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Judges

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 5911: Criminal procedure: sentencing; mandatory sentencing for certain crimes in the identity theft act; require. Amends sec. 9 of 2004 PA 452 (MCL 445.69).

HB 5911 amends Michigan's Identity Theft Protection Act to establish mandatory minimum prison sentences for repeat offenders who commit identity theft crimes. Specifically, the bill requires a minimum of 10 years in prison for a third or subsequent violation of the act and a minimum of 2 years and 6 months for certain violations involving specific types of data breaches. These sentencing rules apply regardless of whether the victim is alive or deceased at the time of the crime and allow courts to order prison terms to be served consecutively with other related convictions. The legislation also clarifies that these mandatory sentences do not apply to violations of state or federal regulations governing financial institutions and insurance.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences, restricting judicial discretion and expanding criminal penalties.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens cybersecurity and data privacy by imposing mandatory sentences for identity theft, protecting victims from digital crimes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 5793: Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for interfering with the operational technology of a covered critical infrastructure facility; provide for. Amends sec. 16s, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.16s). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5792'26

HB 5793 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to address crimes involving interference with the operational technology of covered critical infrastructure facilities. The bill directly affects individuals who attempt to disrupt systems essential to vital services such as power, water, and communications. By updating the Code of Criminal Procedure, it establishes specific sentencing parameters for these offenses, ensuring that penalties align with the severity of attacks on critical infrastructure. This change is part of a paired legislative effort with HB 5792 to strengthen protections for essential services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by updating sentencing guidelines to address critical infrastructure attacks, ensuring penalties align with offense severity.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill strengthens protection for critical energy infrastructure by establishing specific sentencing guidelines for attacks on operational technology.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens cybersecurity by establishing sentencing guidelines for attacks on critical infrastructure operational technology.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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