Michigan House Bill 6279 amends the state's corrections code to require the Department of Corrections to provide prisoners with timely access to medical, dental, optical, and mental health care while ensuring privacy and dignity during treatment. The legislation mandates that the department identify and address the needs of prisoners with disabilities by providing assistive equipment such as wheelchairs and hearing aids. Additionally, it requires the maintenance of safe environmental conditions, including proper sanitation and ventilation, to prevent risks to prisoner health. Prisoners who believe these standards are not met can file grievances through the existing departmental system.
Michigan House Bill 6280 requires the state Department of Corrections to establish specific policies governing the use of recording devices in sensitive medical settings within correctional facilities. The bill limits the use of audio, video, or photographic recording to situations where it is reasonably necessary for safety, security, or documentation purposes. It mandates that any recording must be conducted in a way that minimizes intrusion on prisoner privacy and requires staff to document the specific reason for using the device. Additionally, the legislation requires the department to maintain policies for the retention, storage, and access of these recordings in compliance with existing laws.
HB 6192 amends Michigan's Debt Management Act to strengthen the state director's authority to investigate and punish mortgage brokers and lenders who engage in fraud. The bill allows the director to issue immediate suspensions or permanent prohibitions against individuals found guilty of fraud, dishonesty, or felony convictions involving financial misconduct. It establishes a formal process where accused individuals receive written notice, have the right to a hearing within 60 days, and can apply to have an order lifted after five years. Additionally, the law clarifies that violating a final prohibition order is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or a fine of $5,000. This legislation is tied to another bill, HB 6177, and will only become effective if that companion bill is also passed.
HB 6199 amends Michigan's penal code to strengthen laws against mortgage fraud by clarifying the criminal penalties for individuals who prepare or submit loan applications in someone else's name without their authorization. The bill explicitly prohibits receiving or forwarding such fraudulent applications or related financial instruments when the person knows or should know they are illegal. While the penalties for non-exempt individuals remain severe, including up to four years in prison or a fine of up to $2,500, the legislation provides specific exemptions for licensed financial institutions and their employees who handle these documents in good faith, such as when submitting them to law enforcement or credit bureaus. This update aims to align the state's fraud statutes with current mortgage industry practices and regulatory frameworks.
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.
This Senate resolution asks the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate recent inmate deaths at Michigan's Huron Valley Correctional Facility. The bill highlights concerns about unsafe conditions, including toxic mold exposure and high staff vacancy rates, which lawmakers believe may have contributed to the fatalities of two inmates in May 2026. By requesting a federal inquiry, the resolution seeks to ensure that the deaths are thoroughly examined and that constitutional rights are protected within the state's correctional system. Copies of the request are to be sent to the Acting Attorney General for action.
This bill establishes a new grant program and fund to support community violence intervention and prevention efforts in Michigan. It directs state funding to eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations that meet specific criteria, such as having high homicide rates or a demonstrated need to address violence. The grants must be used for evidence-based strategies that utilize trauma-informed care, expand economic opportunities, and avoid contributing to mass incarceration. Furthermore, the legislation requires that at least 75% of any grant given to a local government be passed on to community-based or nonprofit groups, ensuring that law enforcement agencies do not receive these specific funds. The bill also mandates regular reporting on financial use and program outcomes to ensure accountability.
This bill expands the powers and duties of Michigan's Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman, which handles complaints from prisoners, their advocates, and legislators regarding conditions in state correctional facilities. Key changes require the ombudsman to notify complainants and affected prisoners when investigating or declining to investigate complaints, and mandate that the office consult with the Department of Corrections before issuing any report that criticizes the department or its staff. The legislation also establishes strict reporting requirements, forcing the ombudsman to publish detailed monthly and annual reports on complaint statistics and department responses, while adding protections to ensure that individuals cannot be penalized for filing complaints or cooperating with the ombudsman. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the ombudsman's authority operates alongside, rather than replacing, existing legal remedies and appeal processes for prisoners.
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.
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.
