This bill, known as Messiah's Law, creates a new felony offense for intentionally firing a gun at a motor vehicle that the shooter knows or should know is occupied. The law directly affects individuals who commit this act by establishing criminal penalties that include up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If the vehicle contains a minor, the penalties increase to a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. The legislation amends Michigan's penal code by adding a new section to address this specific type of firearm discharge.
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.
This bill modifies the Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Office Act to restructure how the office operates within the Department of Attorney General. It creates an autonomous office led by a council of five members, including the attorney general and representatives from different county population sizes, to coordinate prosecutorial work across the state. The office will have its own executive secretary appointed by the council, with independent authority to manage personnel, budgeting, and procurement while receiving administrative support from the department. Council members serve one-year terms and must vacate their positions if they leave their roles as prosecuting attorneys or the attorney general.
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.
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 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.
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.
