Criminal Justice

in committee · Michigan · House Dec 16, 2025

HB 5361: Crimes: animals; restitution for care and treatment of certain forfeited animals; impose penalty on ownership of animal to person convicted of certain crimes against animal. Amends sec. 50b of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.50b).

HB 5361 strengthens penalties for animal cruelty in Michigan by requiring courts to order convicted offenders to pay restitution for the care, housing, and veterinary treatment of seized companion animals (like pets or service animals). It clarifies that companion animals receive enhanced protections, with stricter penalties for intentional harm (e.g., killing or torturing a pet). The bill mandates restitution covering investigation, prosecution, and animal care costs - not previously required - and prohibits convicted individuals from owning animals during probation or permanently. It excludes lawful activities like hunting, farming, or veterinary care from these provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates restitution for animal cruelty offenders, strengthening sentencing accountability and victim (animal) protection within criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

Track

in committee · Michigan · House Dec 31, 2025

HB 5424: Law enforcement: funds; allowable uses for fee revenue related to salvage vehicle inspection; modify. Amends sec. 217c of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.217c).

HB 5424 amends Michigan's vehicle code (MCL 257.217c) to change how law enforcement agencies can use revenue collected from fees for salvage vehicle inspections. Currently, these fees must be spent on specific purposes like vehicle inspections or law enforcement operations, but the bill modifies the allowable uses. This directly affects local police departments and sheriff's offices that collect these fees. The change would allow them to allocate the revenue toward additional law enforcement needs beyond the current restrictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAmends fee revenue rules to allow broader law enforcement funding allocation, directly supporting resource availability for police operations per bill's purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

Track

in committee · Michigan · House Dec 23, 2025

HB 5421: Employment security: benefits; disqualification from receiving benefits when leaving employment; create exception for victim of stalking. Amends secs. 29 & 29a of 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1 (MCL 421.29 & 421.29a).

HB 5421 amends Michigan's unemployment benefits law to create a new exception allowing victims of stalking to qualify for benefits if they leave employment due to stalking. Currently, an exception exists for domestic violence victims under Section 29(a)(iv), but this bill replaces "domestic violence" with "stalking" in that provision. The change means individuals who leave jobs to escape stalking would no longer be disqualified from benefits, directly affecting stalking victims who might otherwise lose unemployment eligibility. This policy update modifies the disqualification rule without altering other existing provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAmends unemployment law to include stalking victims in benefit eligibility, protecting victims' rights under criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands unemployment benefits eligibility for stalking victims, protecting workers fleeing workplace safety threats under employment security law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Unemployment

Track

in committee · Michigan · Senate Dec 16, 2025

SB 738: Housing: other; Michigan fair chance access to housing act; create. Creates new act.

SB 738, the "Michigan Fair Chance Access to Housing Act," prohibits landlords from asking about or denying rental applications based solely on an applicant's criminal record before issuing a conditional offer. It directly affects renters with criminal histories and requires landlords to provide written notice about criminal record screening before collecting application fees. Key provisions include banning pre-offer inquiries into criminal history (except for federal requirements), allowing landlords to consider only specific serious offenses (like arson, human trafficking, or recent sex offenses requiring registration) after a conditional offer, and mandating an individualized assessment with mitigating evidence for denials. Landlords must also disclose if criminal records are part of their screening process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits pre-offer criminal record inquiries in housing, reducing barriers for renters with records and aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing recidivism and promoting rehabilitation.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents housing discrimination by banning pre-offer criminal record inquiries, protecting tenants with criminal histories per bill's explicit prohibitions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

Track

in committee · Michigan · House Dec 23, 2025

HB 5409: Crime victims: compensation; crime victim compensation for certain pet expenses; provide for. Amends sec. 11 of 1976 PA 223 (MCL 18.361).

HB 5409 amends Michigan's Crime Victim Compensation Act to include temporary pet boarding costs as an eligible expense for victims relocating due to a crime. The bill adds subsection (l) to section 11, allowing up to $2,500 per claimant for pet boarding when immediate relocation is necessary for safety or well-being. This directly affects crime victims who own pets and must move quickly after a crime, expanding existing coverage that previously excluded pet-related costs. The change does not alter the $45,000 total award limit or other compensation categories. The bill was introduced in December 2025 and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands crime victim compensation to include pet boarding costs, enhancing support for victims directly impacted by crime within the justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

Track

in committee · Michigan · Senate May 13, 2026

SB 580: Traffic control: driver license; issuance of a restricted license; modify. Amends sec. 304 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.304).

SB 580 modifies Michigan's rules for issuing restricted driver's licenses to individuals suspended due to DUI convictions. It requires installing an ignition interlock device and completing a specialty court program before eligibility, limiting driving to work, treatment, school, or essential appointments. The restricted license remains valid for at least one year, during which any alcohol use could trigger further suspension. This applies to those with two DUI convictions or one DUI plus prior related offenses under Michigan law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires ignition interlock and specialty court for DUI offenders, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism through structured program access.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens transportation safety by requiring ignition interlocks and restricted driving for DUI offenders, aligning with safety-focused transportation policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

Track

in committee · Michigan · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 5121: Civil procedure: service of process; cost for service of process for personal protection orders; eliminate. Amends sec. 2950a of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2950a) & adds secs. 2950d & 2950p. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5120'25, HB 6033'26

HB 5121 eliminates the cost for serving personal protection orders (PPOs) in Michigan. It directly affects individuals seeking PPOs to protect against harassment, stalking, or sexual assault by removing the requirement that petitioners pay for service of the order on the respondent. The bill amends Michigan’s court procedures to eliminate this fee, making it easier for petitioners - especially those with limited resources - to obtain and enforce PPOs without upfront costs. This change applies to all PPOs filed under the specified sections of Michigan law, streamlining the process for victims.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEliminates fees for PPO service, reducing barriers for victims of harassment/stalking/sexual assault to access protection - advancing equitable access in criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Violent Crime

Track

in committee · Michigan · House Sep 29, 2025

HB 5065: Occupations: business licensing and registration; license to sell firearms at retail; provide for. Amends 1927 PA 372 (MCL 28.421 - 28.435) by adding secs. 12c, 14b & 14c.

HB 5065 requires retail firearm dealers in Michigan to obtain a state-issued license ($250 fee) and renew it annually ($200 fee). It mandates annual training for dealers and employees on firearm safety, identifying illegal sales, and preventing trafficking, with a 70% passing score needed. The bill applies to businesses selling firearms regularly (not occasional sellers of 8 or fewer firearms yearly) and requires federal licensing, age checks (21+), and criminal background checks for staff. Dealers must display licenses prominently and maintain records for four years. The law aims to regulate retail firearm sales through licensing, training, and record-keeping requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates firearm dealer licensing, annual safety training, and background checks to prevent illegal sales/trafficking, enhancing law enforcement oversight in weapon regulation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

Track

in committee · Michigan · House Mar 12, 2025

HB 4196: State: identification cards; cross reference to 1972 PA 22; update. Amends sec. 5 of 2008 PA 23 (MCL 28.305). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4194'25

HB 4196 amends Michigan's Enhanced Driver License and ID Card Act (MCL 28.305) to update how personal information is handled for applicants. It specifies that facial images and signatures collected for these IDs may only be shared with law enforcement agencies, other states (as required by federal law), or with an individual's written consent, while prohibiting disclosure of Social Security numbers on the card itself. The bill also clarifies retention rules for facial images (1 year unless fraud is suspected) and strengthens privacy protections by restricting disclosure of sensitive documents. This directly affects Michigan residents applying for enhanced driver licenses or official state ID cards, ensuring their biometric data and personal information are used only under defined, limited circumstances.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts law enforcement access to facial images without consent, protecting civil rights related to data privacy in ID systems.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRestricts data sharing to law enforcement/consent, prohibits SSN on IDs, enhances privacy protections per bill's explicit language on personal information handling.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

Track

passed · Michigan · Senate Apr 16, 2025

SB 114: Disabilities: other; vulnerable adult multidisciplinary teams; provide for. Creates new act.

Senate Bill 114 allows counties or regions in Michigan to create vulnerable adult multidisciplinary teams. These teams, comprising public and private professionals such as law enforcement, adult protective services, and healthcare providers, are designed to prevent, investigate, and prosecute the abuse and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. The bill permits team members to share information for their duties, but requires strict confidentiality and sworn statements. Importantly, the information and records produced by these teams are exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, and their meetings are not subject to the Open Meetings Act.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates multidisciplinary teams to prevent, investigate, and prosecute vulnerable adult abuse, improving law enforcement coordination and prosecution within criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

Track