This bill proposes to amend Michigan's sentencing guidelines to address specific firearm-related offenses. It would establish sentencing recommendations for individuals who intentionally discharge a firearm from a vehicle or at a dwelling or potentially occupied structure. The changes would apply to judges and prosecutors handling cases involving these specific types of gun discharges. The legislation aims to provide clearer guidance on sentencing for these particular circumstances.
HB 5537 prohibits the production, sale, or offering for sale of kratom (including all parts of the Mitragyna speciose plant and synthetic variants like 7-hydroxymitragynine) in Michigan. It directly affects businesses and individuals selling kratom products, imposing misdemeanor penalties that escalate based on severity: up to 90 days in jail and $5,000 fines for first offenses, with harsher penalties for repeat violations or sales to minors. Sales to anyone under 18 carry enhanced penalties, including up to one year in jail and $10,000 fines for first offenses. The law defines "kratom" broadly to cover all plant parts, extracts, and synthetic forms, making these activities illegal under Michigan's penal code.
House Bill 4414 establishes a process to divert individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses who have mental health issues into assisted outpatient treatment. This diversion can be initiated by motion from the prosecuting attorney, defendant, or defense counsel, and requires agreement from all parties to proceed. If diverted, a court can order assisted outpatient treatment for up to 180 days. The misdemeanor charges remain pending but are dismissed after 90 days (or 180 days for serious misdemeanors) once the treatment order is entered, and non-compliance with treatment is handled through civil proceedings.
HB 5234 modifies Michigan's vehicle code to change how law enforcement agencies can use fees collected from salvage vehicle inspections. Specifically, it updates Section 217c of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.217c) to expand allowable uses for these fee revenues. The bill directly affects local law enforcement agencies that collect these inspection fees, allowing them to allocate funds toward equipment, training, or other operational needs previously restricted. This is a procedural funding adjustment with no new tax or mandate.
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.
This bill creates a new felony offense for delivering Schedule 1 or 2 controlled substances (excluding marijuana) that causes serious injury. It defines "serious injury" as permanent disfigurement, loss of body function (like a limb or eye), coma lasting over 3 days, or measurable brain impairment. Violators face life imprisonment or any prison term. The law applies to people who illegally provide these drugs when the substance causes harm to the user or others.
HB 5037 extends the statute of limitations for certain criminal sexual conduct offenses involving victims under 18 years old. Specifically, it increases the time limit for filing indictments from 10 years to 15 years after the offense, or until the victim turns 28 - whichever is later. The bill also allows indefinite filing for cases where DNA evidence identifies the perpetrator, with charges needing to be filed within 15 years of identification. This change directly affects victims of these specific offenses and prosecutors seeking to pursue charges, providing more time to identify perpetrators and file cases.
HB 4397 creates new legal protections for judges, their families, and household members by requiring courts to shield personal information (like home addresses) and enhance physical safety measures. Key provisions mandate that courts restrict public access to sensitive contact details and implement security protocols for judges' residences. The law directly affects judicial staff and their households, aiming to reduce threats and harassment. It passed the House with 84 votes in favor and is now under review by the Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee.
HB 4596 clarifies the timeline for dismissing criminal charges against defendants deemed incompetent to stand trial in Michigan. It requires charges to be dismissed 15 months after the defendant was initially found incompetent or after they began treatment to become competent - whichever comes first. Prosecutors may refile charges for life felony offenses if the defendant later becomes competent, but only after a court hearing confirming competency. The bill also adds requirements for courts to notify attorneys and medical supervisors when dismissal orders expire or are voided.
HB 4714 updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for fraudulent insurance acts by amending Section 15a of the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.15a). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of insurance fraud by establishing clearer sentencing standards for these offenses. It modifies existing sentencing structures to provide more defined parameters for judges when determining penalties in fraud cases involving insurance. The changes aim to standardize penalties for this specific crime category within Michigan's criminal justice system. The bill passed the Michigan House on September 16, 2025, with strong support.
