HB 4954 expands Michigan's survivor tuition grant program to include children and surviving spouses of medical examiners and medical examiner investigators who die in the line of duty. Currently, the program covers families of police officers and firefighters killed on duty; this bill adds medical examiners and their investigators to the eligible categories. The grant would cover tuition costs at Michigan's public colleges and universities for qualifying students meeting residency and academic requirements. The bill amends the existing "Police Officer's, Fire Fighter's, and Medical Examiner's Survivor Tuition Grant Act" to include these new recipients.
HB 4132 amends Michigan's personal protection order law to explicitly include animal-related abuse as a prohibited act in domestic violence cases. The bill adds new language (subsection 1(k)) making it illegal for a respondent to injure, kill, threaten, or remove an animal in which the petitioner has ownership interest, or to retain an animal taken from the petitioner. This directly affects domestic violence victims who rely on pets for emotional support, expanding court orders to protect both people and their companion animals. The provision specifies it does not override lawful animal use (e.g., hunting under state law) and aligns with existing protections for victims.
HB 4188 amends Michigan's Vehicle Code to clarify that operating a vehicle "in a careless or negligent manner likely to endanger any person or property, but without wantonness or recklessness" would be classified as a civil infraction. This change directly affects drivers whose behavior meets this specific standard - non-reckless, careless driving - by treating it as a civil matter rather than a criminal offense. The bill modifies Section 626b of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.626b) to explicitly exclude cases involving "wantonness or recklessness," which would remain subject to more severe penalties. The amendment is procedural and aims to refine the legal definition of the infraction. The bill was introduced on March 6, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
HB 4232 creates the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund within Michigan’s trust fund system, directly affecting cities, villages, and townships that receive funding. The fund is financed by general sales tax deposits, donations, and investment earnings, with money remaining in the fund year-to-year instead of lapsing. Key provisions require 6.5% of fund revenues to be distributed to cities/towns for community violence prevention grants (administered by DHHS), while 2% goes to the Crime Victim’s Rights Fund; remaining funds are distributed proportionally but reduced if jurisdictions fail to meet violent crime rate reduction targets (1% by 2028-2030, 2% after). The bill strictly prohibits using funds for tactical police vehicles (>15,000 lbs), facial recognition technology, or replacing existing public safety resources.
HB 4264, the "Job Applicant Credit Privacy Act," bans most employers in Michigan from using an applicant's credit history to make hiring decisions or asking about it during the recruitment process. It directly affects all job seekers and employers, except for specific roles in banking (state/nationally chartered banks, savings institutions, credit unions), licensed financial services, or casinos. The bill also prohibits employers from retaliating against applicants who oppose violations or participate in investigations, and bans any requirement for applicants to waive their rights under this law. Violators face civil lawsuits allowing for damages, injunctions, or attorney fees.
House Bill 4331 establishes an "Ebony alert" system in Michigan to aid in locating missing women between the ages of 18 and 65, referred to as "qualifying individuals." This system is activated when a qualifying individual is reported missing under suspicious circumstances and is believed to be at risk, developmentally disabled, cognitively impaired, or abducted. The Department of State Police will create and maintain a plan to rapidly disseminate information to radio and television stations statewide. The bill also creates an Ebony Alert Fund to support the system's operation and prohibits intentionally making false reports, imposing penalties for violations.
Senate Bill 112 amends Michigan's penal code to expand the definition of "racketeering." The bill specifically adds the crime of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult to the list of offenses that can be considered racketeering activity. This change means that individuals who commit embezzlement against vulnerable adults could be prosecuted under racketeering laws, which are typically associated with organized crime and may carry more severe penalties. The bill aims to strengthen legal protections against the financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
SB 113 amends Michigan's penal code to address the financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. The bill makes it illegal to obtain or use a vulnerable adult's money or property through fraud, deceit, or coercion for personal benefit, and extends this prohibition to include acts committed against their estate after death. It establishes a tiered system of penalties, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, based on the value of the money or property involved and the offender's prior convictions. This legislation provides increased legal consequences for individuals who financially abuse vulnerable adults and their estates.
House Resolution 80 declares May 2025 as Treatment Court Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution recognizes the role of treatment courts in justice reform and their impact on individuals and communities across Michigan.
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.
