Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

passed both · Michigan · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 5126: Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for theft of cargo; create. Amends sec. 16r, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.16r). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5125'25

HB 5126 creates new sentencing guidelines specifically for theft of cargo offenses in Michigan. It amends Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.16r) to establish distinct sentencing parameters for cases involving the theft of cargo, which currently lack specific guidelines. The bill directly affects courts, prosecutors, and defendants in cargo theft cases by providing clearer sentencing standards for these offenses. This is a procedural change to sentencing guidelines, not a new criminal charge or penalty. The bill was introduced on October 23, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates specific sentencing guidelines for cargo theft, providing clearer standards to ensure consistent and fair sentencing. This procedural reform supports criminal justice by reducing ambiguity and promoting fairness in sentencing for a sp...90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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passed both · Michigan · House Oct 28, 2025

HB 4691: Criminal procedure: sentencing; mandatory sentencing for certain crimes in the vehicle code; require. Amends sec. 602a of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.602a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4690'25

HB 4691 amends Michigan's Vehicle Code to increase penalties for drivers who flee or elude police officers. It creates four tiers of felony sentencing based on the severity of the violation: fourth-degree (up to 2 years for basic evasion), third-degree (1-5 years if collision occurs or in low-speed zones), second-degree (2-10 years for serious injury or prior convictions), and first-degree (5-15 years if death results). The bill specifically defines "serious injury" to include loss of limbs, brain damage, or coma. This directly affects drivers who fail to stop for police in uniform with marked vehicles, with penalties escalating based on outcomes like collisions, injuries, or prior offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory sentencing tiers for police evasion with harsher penalties, expanding criminalization without reform elements or defendant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Sentencing

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passed both · Michigan · House Oct 28, 2025

HB 4690: Criminal procedure: sentencing; mandatory sentencing for certain crimes; require. Amends sec. 479a of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.479a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4691'25

HB 4690 mandates fixed prison sentences for certain violent or gun-related crimes by amending Michigan's sentencing law (MCL 750.479a). It directly affects defendants convicted of these specific offenses, as judges must now impose predetermined terms instead of exercising discretion. The key provision requires minimum sentence lengths for these cases, removing judicial flexibility in sentencing. This policy change applies to new convictions under the amended law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates fixed prison sentences for violent/gun crimes, removing judicial discretion. Increases mandatory sentencing, opposing criminal justice reform efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Sentencing Violent Crime

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in committee · Michigan · House Nov 4, 2025

HB 5174: Criminal procedure: probation; delayed sentence for domestic violence offenses; prohibit under certain circumstances. Amends sec. 1, ch. XI of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 771.1).

HB 5174 amends Michigan's probation law to prohibit courts from delaying sentences for defendants convicted of domestic violence offenses who have prior similar offenses, such as assault or domestic violence. The bill specifically blocks delayed sentencing under certain circumstances for repeat offenders in these cases, directly affecting individuals facing domestic violence or assault charges with prior convictions. Key provisions include requiring courts to impose supervision fees ($30/month without electronic monitoring, $60/month with it) for delayed sentences and defining "assaultive crime" and "interpersonal violence" to clarify coverage. The law also allows fee waivers for indigent defendants and specifies that these fees cannot overlap with existing supervision costs. This changes how courts handle probation eligibility for domestic violence cases without altering sentencing penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeProhibits delayed sentencing for domestic violence repeat offenders, increasing mandatory sentencing requirements under criminal justice sentencing rules.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Nov 5, 2025

SB 432: Criminal procedure: probation; probation for certain major controlled substances offenses; allow. Amends sec. 1, ch. XI of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 771.1). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0430'25

SB 432 expands probation eligibility for certain major controlled substances offenses (excluding heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and their derivatives) that were previously ineligible under Michigan law. It allows courts to delay sentencing for up to one year to enable defendants to participate in drug treatment programs, requiring the court to document the reason for the delay in writing. The bill establishes a monthly supervision fee of $30 (without electronic monitoring) or $60 (with monitoring), capped at 12 months, which can be paid in installments or waived for indigent individuals. This applies to adult defendants not subject to juvenile probation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands probation eligibility for drug offenses to enable treatment programs, reducing incarceration and promoting rehabilitation - core criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables drug treatment access via probation, improving patient access to healthcare services for substance use disorders while diverting from incarceration.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Probation & Parole Sentencing Substance Abuse

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Nov 5, 2025

SB 256: Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for tampering with utility shutoff to residence; amend to reflect decriminalization of certain acts. Amends secs. 16o & 16s, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.16o & 777.16s). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0255'25

SB 256 amends Michigan's criminal sentencing guidelines to reduce penalties for tampering with utility services (like electricity or water) that could shut off a residence. It specifically changes sections 777.16o and 777.16s of the Michigan Penal Code to reflect that certain utility tampering acts are now decriminalized, shifting them from criminal offenses to civil or administrative matters. The bill directly affects individuals who might interfere with utility services to a home, such as low-income residents attempting to avoid shutoffs. This change removes potential criminal charges for these specific acts while maintaining safety and service protections.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDecriminalizes utility tampering (previously criminal), shifting to civil matters per bill summary, reducing unnecessary criminal charges aligning with reform goals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill decriminalizes tampering with utilities to prevent home shutoffs, removing criminal penalties for tenants facing housing insecurity, thus supporting tenant protections.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · Michigan · House Dec 10, 2025

HB 5203: Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for releasing confidential information related to an abortion; provide for. Amends sec. 13k, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.13k). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5201'25

HB 5203 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.13k) to establish specific penalties for disclosing private medical information related to abortions. It directly affects healthcare providers, clinics, or others who share confidential abortion-related details without authorization. The bill creates new sentencing parameters for such disclosures within the criminal code, requiring judges to consider these guidelines when determining penalties. The legislation is currently under review by the Health Policy Committee after its November 2025 introduction.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal penalties for disclosing abortion-related medical info, expanding criminalization under sentencing guidelines per MCL 777.13k.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient confidentiality for abortion-related medical information, directly advancing healthcare privacy rights under patient protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Women's Health

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passed both · Michigan · House Nov 12, 2025

HB 5080: Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for disarming a law enforcement officer of a firearm if accomplished by force or if law enforcement officer is injured; provide for. Amends sec. 16x, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.16x). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5079'25

This bill amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically increase penalties for individuals who take a police officer's firearm by force or cause injury to the officer during such an incident. It directly affects people convicted of assaulting officers to seize their weapons, making this a more severe offense under state law. The key change adds these circumstances as a factor for judges to consider when determining sentences, requiring harsher penalties for disarming officers through violence or causing harm. The amendment modifies Section 16x of the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.16x) to reflect these updated sentencing standards.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for disarming officers by force/injuring them, expanding criminalization and mandating harsher sentences per sentencing guidelines, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Policing Sentencing

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passed · Michigan · House Feb 18, 2026

HB 4528: Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for driver causing death of blind person or dog guide in crosswalk; enact. Amends sec. 17b, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.17b). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4527'25

HB 4528 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to impose stiffer penalties for drivers who cause the death of a blind person or a guide dog while they are in a crosswalk. The bill directly affects drivers convicted of vehicular homicide in these specific scenarios. Its key provision increases sentencing severity under Michigan law (MCL 777.17b) for such incidents, requiring judges to consider the heightened risk faced by blind individuals and service animals. This policy change focuses on criminal sentencing outcomes without altering traffic laws or enforcement procedures.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases sentencing severity for vehicular homicide involving blind persons/guide dogs, expanding criminalization and raising penalties per MCL 777.17b, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationIncreases penalties for drivers causing death of blind person/guide dog in crosswalk, enhancing pedestrian safety in transportation context per MCL 777.17b.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Violent Crime Pedestrian Safety

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