Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

in committee · Michigan · House Aug 27, 2026

HB 6260: Crimes: criminal sexual conduct; penalties for criminal sexual conduct in the first degree; modify.

Michigan House Bill 6260 amends the state penal code to modify the legal definition of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and establish stricter sentencing guidelines for offenders. The bill expands the list of aggravating circumstances that elevate a crime to this most serious level, specifically including acts committed by school employees, volunteers, or child care providers who use their professional status to gain access to victims aged 13 to 15. It also broadens the definition of force and coercion to include situations where an actor uses medical treatment unethically or overcomes a victim through concealment or surprise. Regarding penalties, the bill mandates that anyone convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct must receive lifetime electronic monitoring in addition to their prison sentence. It increases the minimum prison term for adults who commit these acts against children under 13 and imposes a mandatory life sentence without parole for repeat offenders who have previously been convicted of similar crimes against young children.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands aggravating circumstances and establishes stricter sentencing guidelines for first-degree criminal sexual conduct, increasing mandatory penalties.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Michigan · House Sep 1, 2026

HB 6284: Weapons: firearms; sentencing guidelines; update. Amends sec. 16m of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.16m). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6285'26

Michigan House Bill 6284 updates the state's sentencing guidelines by amending Section 16m of the Code of Criminal Procedure to include specific firearm-related felonies. The bill creates a comprehensive list of offenses, ranging from selling firearms to minors and prohibited persons to discharging guns in vehicles or at dwellings, assigning each a specific classification level and maximum prison sentence. These classifications determine how judges calculate sentences for these crimes, with penalties varying based on the severity of the act and any resulting injuries or deaths. The legislation is tied to House Bill 6285 and will not take effect unless that companion bill is also enacted into law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill updates sentencing guidelines to assign specific maximum prison sentences for firearm felonies, which restricts judicial discretion and expands criminal penalties.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Firearms Sentencing

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Jul 2, 2026

SB 1089: Courts: funding; trial court funding; provide for. Amends secs. 880d, 8727 & 8827 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.880d et seq.); adds secs. 1495, 1496 & 1497 & repeals secs. 8729 & 8829 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.8729 & 600.8829). TIE BAR WITH: SB 1090'26

This bill establishes a standardized process for courts to determine whether individuals can afford court-related fees and fines. It requires judges to conduct a three-part financial assessment before imposing costs, which includes checking if a person receives public assistance, has income below a specific low-income threshold, or faces unique financial hardships. Under the new rules, people currently incarcerated are automatically considered indigent, and those found to be unable to pay will not be ordered to cover court costs or fees. Additionally, the legislation allows individuals to request a review of their financial status after sentencing if their circumstances have changed, potentially leading to the waiver of previously imposed charges.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes funding mechanisms and financial assessments for court fees, ensuring access to justice and protecting essential judicial services from being restricted by cost barriers.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes a financial assessment process to ensure indigent defendants are not burdened by fees, protecting civil rights and reducing barriers to justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

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in committee · Michigan · House Jul 14, 2026

HB 6173: Animals: animal shelters; cross-references to 1969 PA 287 in Michigan penal code; update. Amends sec. 49 of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.49). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6167'26

HB 6173 updates the Michigan penal code to clarify definitions and strengthen penalties related to animal fighting and baiting. The bill explicitly defines "animal control agencies" as shelters licensed under the Animal Protection Act and expands prohibitions to include renting or obtaining venues for these illegal activities. It also mandates that animal control agencies sterilize or secure a deposit for sterilization before adopting animals with fighting histories. Additionally, the legislation imposes stricter sentencing guidelines for owners whose trained fighting animals attack people and establishes specific misdemeanor charges for failing to restrain such animals on their property.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens penalties for animal fighting and expands prohibitions, enhancing law enforcement capabilities and protecting public safety.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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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 · House Jun 3, 2026

HB 6029: Criminal procedure: sentencing; consideration of veteran status in sentencing; require. Amends secs. 1 & 21, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.1 & 777.21).

This bill modifies Michigan's criminal sentencing guidelines to formally recognize veteran status as a factor in determining sentences. It defines a "veteran" as someone who served at least 180 days in the U.S. Armed Forces and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, with specific exceptions for those diagnosed with service-connected mental health conditions. The key provision requires courts to set a minimum sentence of zero months if they find a clear connection between the crime and a condition stemming from the offender's military service. This change applies to offenses where the defendant is a veteran and the court makes the required finding regarding the link between their service and the offense.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill introduces veteran status as a sentencing factor to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill formally recognizes veteran status in sentencing and mandates leniency, directly supporting veterans.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 5917: Criminal procedure: sentencing; mandatory sentencing for certain crimes; require. Amends (See bill) & repeals sec. 145g of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.145g).

This bill amends Michigan's penal code to establish mandatory minimum sentences for specific assault and battery offenses. It directly affects individuals convicted of assaulting spouses, dating partners, household members, or pregnant victims, as well as those with prior convictions for similar acts against these groups. The key provision requires that anyone found guilty of these crimes receive a prison term of at least one year, with higher minimums of two and a half years or five years depending on the victim's status and the offender's criminal history. Additionally, the bill mandates that healthcare facilities post signs warning that assaulting medical staff can result in enhanced fines.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill imposes mandatory minimum sentences, restricting judicial discretion and limiting defendant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing Violent Crime

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 895: Criminal procedure: sentencing; habitual offender guidelines; modify. Amends secs. 10, 11 & 12, ch. IX of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 769.10 et seq.).

SB 895 modifies Michigan's habitual offender sentencing guidelines to adjust how prior felony convictions increase penalties for new crimes. The bill establishes three tiers based on the number of prior convictions: one prior felony can lead to a sentence up to 1.5 times the standard maximum, two prior felonies can result in a sentence up to twice the standard maximum, and three or more prior felonies can trigger a mandatory minimum of 25 years for serious crimes. These provisions apply to individuals convicted of felonies in Michigan or those that would be considered felonies if committed in the state, regardless of where the prior convictions occurred. The legislation also includes specific rules to prevent double-counting of convictions from the same incident and excludes any prior convictions that occurred more than 10 years before the new offense.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory minimum sentences and expands penalties for habitual offenders, restricting judicial discretion and enhancing punishment severity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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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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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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