Criminal Justice

Senate Bill 258 amends Michigan's Revised Judicature Act of 1961, which governs the time limits for filing civil lawsuits. The bill modifies the statute of limitations for civil actions seeking damages related to criminal sexual conduct. It achieves this by changing the definition of "criminal sexual conduct" that applies to the 10-year limitation period, directing the definition to a separate

Senate Bill 260 amends Michigan's governmental immunity act, specifically for public universities, colleges, and school districts. It removes their immunity from tort liability in cases of criminal sexual conduct committed by their employees or agents. These institutions can be held liable if they were negligent in hiring, supervision, or training, or if they had knowledge of the conduct and failed to report it to law enforcement. However, liability is only imposed if the institution also had prior knowledge of the individual's propensity for or previous acts of criminal sexual conduct and failed to intervene to prevent the subsequent conduct.

This bill allocates $2.25 billion in state funding for Michigan's Department of Corrections for fiscal year 2025-2026. It covers administrative costs (including staff salaries and pensions), inmate reentry programs (like education and job training), parole services, and facility operations (including body-worn cameras and housing). The funding directly supports 13,207 correctional staff positions and services for inmates, such as vocational programs and transitional housing. It does not create new programs but provides budgetary support for existing department functions.

SB 170 is a budget bill that allocates $393.39 million in state funds to support Michigan's judiciary for fiscal year 2025-2026. It directly funds court operations, including the Supreme Court ($102.8 million), Court of Appeals ($27.7 million), and judicial salaries for approximately 591 judges across all courts. Key provisions include funding for court administration, problem-solving courts, technology systems, and specialized programs like foster care review and drug treatment courts. The bill specifies exact amounts for each judicial branch and program without changing existing laws or creating new policies. This is a routine funding measure for the state's court system, not a substantive policy change.