SB 294 strengthens Michigan's animal cruelty laws by increasing penalties for harming companion animals (like pets and service animals) and adding new requirements for convicted individuals. It classifies offenses into three degrees (with first-degree punishable by up to 10 years in prison) and mandates courts to order restitution for animal care costs, including veterinary treatment and shelter. The bill also allows courts to prohibit convicted individuals from owning animals for a specified period or permanently. Exemptions cover lawful activities like hunting, farming, and veterinary care. This law directly affects people convicted of animal cruelty, particularly those targeting companion animals.
This bill amends the Michigan Amber Alert Act to expand when the state's Amber Alert system can be activated for missing children. It requires the Department of State Police to issue an Amber Alert for any missing child with special needs or for any missing child who law enforcement believes is in danger after a preliminary investigation. The bill defines "child with special needs" as someone under 26 who has a qualifying impairment, requires special education services, and has not yet graduated high school. The legislation also establishes that this act may be known as the "Rowan Act" and was introduced by Senator Sean McCann in March 2026.
This bill updates Michigan's Child Abduction Broadcast Act to rename it the Child Abduction and Missing Child Broadcast Act and expand how radio and television stations can share information about missing children. It allows broadcasters to disseminate child abduction alerts through various channels, including social media, when they receive information from the Michigan Department of State Police under the existing Amber Alert system. The legislation also provides legal immunity to broadcasters who accurately share this information from the state police. The bill will not take effect unless it is passed together with a companion bill, SB 892.
This bill amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.16w) to address cases involving minors exploited in prostitution. It specifically modifies how individuals aged 16 or younger are treated when found in a house of prostitution, shifting the focus from criminalization to victim support. The key change directs courts to prioritize rehabilitation and services for these minors rather than imposing standard criminal penalties. This policy change directly affects minors under 16 who are victims of exploitation, ensuring their cases are handled through a victim-centered approach.
SB 612 eliminates the requirement for victims to pay costs when courts deliver personal protection orders. It directly affects individuals seeking court-issued protection from domestic violence or abuse. The bill removes a financial barrier by changing court procedures so victims no longer cover the expenses for serving these protective orders. This is a procedural change to Michigan's civil court rules, shifting the cost responsibility from victims to the court system.
SB 611 eliminates court costs for serving personal protection orders in Michigan. It directly affects individuals seeking protection from domestic violence, harassment, or abuse who must legally serve court orders on others. The bill amends Michigan’s civil procedure laws (MCL 600.2559 & 600.2950) to remove the requirement that these individuals pay fees for process servers. This change simplifies access to legal protection by removing a financial barrier for vulnerable residents.
SB 362 updates Michigan's definition of "racketeering" in the penal code to explicitly include "a felony violation of the identity theft protection act" (2004 PA 452). This means identity theft crimes now qualify as racketeering offenses, allowing prosecutors to pursue them under more severe racketeering statutes. The change directly affects individuals convicted of identity theft, as it expands the legal framework for charging such cases. The bill revises Section 159g of the penal code to add this specific reference, without creating new penalties or altering existing laws.
SB 155 amends sentencing guidelines to address crimes specifically targeting access to healthcare facilities, such as blocking entrances or threatening staff. It would establish new sentencing standards for these offenses under Michigan's criminal code (MCL 777.13n). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of obstructing healthcare access, potentially altering their prison terms or penalties. However, the provided context does not detail the exact sentencing changes or specific crime definitions. This summary is based solely on the bill's title and official reference, without additional policy specifics.
SB 216 increases criminal penalties for drivers who cause physical injury or death to pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable roadway users through moving traffic violations (like speeding or running a red light). It amends Michigan's traffic laws to enhance penalties under specific sections, adding new provisions (79g and 79h) that strengthen consequences for these offenses. The bill directly affects drivers convicted of moving violations resulting in harm to non-motorized road users, making penalties more severe than current standards. This policy change focuses on improving accountability for dangerous driving that endangers pedestrians and cyclists, without specifying future outcomes.
SB 156 expands the authority of Michigan's Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to investigate complaints about the Department of Corrections. The bill requires the ombudsman to create a standardized complaint form (available online and in correctional facilities) and grants access to department records - including prisoner medical, mental health, and mortality records - without needing a release. It also allows the ombudsman to enter correctional facilities for inspections at any time (including emergencies like riots), consult with qualified experts after background checks, and hold informal hearings. This directly affects prisoners, their family members, prisoner advocates, and the Department of Corrections by strengthening oversight of correctional operations.
