Criminal Justice

in committee · Michigan · House Oct 21, 2025

HR 184: A resolution to urge the United States Congress to swiftly pass House Bill 1156, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act, to ensure that federal and state authorities have sufficient time to hold fraudsters accountable and recover stolen taxpayer funds.

This House Resolution (HR 184) urges the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 1156, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act. The resolution states that H.R. 1156 would extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting pandemic unemployment fraud from five to ten years, allowing federal and state authorities more time to investigate complex fraud cases - such as those involving identity theft or money laundering - and recover misused taxpayer funds. It references Michigan's estimated $8.5 billion in potentially fraudulent pandemic unemployment benefits as context for the need for extended enforcement. As a procedural resolution, HR 184 itself does not create new law but seeks to advance H.R. 1156.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends statute of limitations for fraud prosecution (5→10 years), strengthening enforcement of criminal justice by enabling more thorough investigations and recovery of stolen funds.95% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · House Sep 24, 2025

HB 5016: Crimes: prostitution; offenses of and references to prostitute and prostitution; modify in the Michigan penal code. Amends secs. 13, 159g, 167, 411j, 448, 449, 450, 451, 451a, 451c, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 462 & 520m of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.13 et seq.) & repeals sec. 449a of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.449a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5017'25, HB 5018'25, HB 5019'25, HB 5015'25, HB 5014'25, HB 5028'25, HB 5020'25, HB 5021'25, HB 5027'25, HB 5022'25, HB 5023'25, HB 5024'25, HB 5025'25, HB 5026'25

HB 5016 updates Michigan's penal code by replacing outdated terms like "prostitute" and "prostitution" with modern, less stigmatizing language such as "person engaged in commercial sexual activity." It specifically amends Section 167 to remove "common prostitute" from the definition of a disorderly person, changing the language to focus on conduct rather than labeling individuals. This bill directly affects how the law refers to and potentially prosecutes individuals involved in commercial sexual activity under current statutes. The changes aim to align terminology with contemporary legal standards without altering the underlying criminal penalties for related offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAmends penal code to replace stigmatizing terms like 'prostitute' with modern language focusing on conduct, reducing bias in criminal justice application per reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

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in committee · Michigan · House May 21, 2026

HB 5107: Marihuana: penalties and remedies; marihuana for personal use and possession; modify allowable amounts of. Amends secs. 5 & 15 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27955 & 333.27965). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5105'25

HB 5107 amends Michigan's marijuana laws to adjust possession and cultivation limits for adults 21+ and modify penalties for exceeding those limits. It increases personal possession from 2.5 ounces to 10 ounces at home, allows up to 12 plants for personal cultivation, and permits 2.5 ounces of concentrate. For minor excesses (e.g., possessing 2-5 ounces instead of 2.5 ounces), the bill changes penalties from criminal charges to civil fines (up to $500 for second offenses), avoiding jail time for first-time violations. The changes apply directly to Michigan residents 21+ who use or cultivate marijuana within the new limits.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAmends penalties to replace criminal charges with civil fines for minor marijuana possession excesses, reducing unnecessary criminalization and aligning with reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Oct 30, 2025

SB 628: Human services: medical services; coverage for syringe service programs; provide for. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 - 400.119b) by adding sec. 109t.

SB 628 requires Michigan's medical assistance program (Medicaid) to cover syringe service programs, which provide clean needles, disposal containers, and other harm reduction supplies to people who inject drugs. This directly affects individuals who use injection drugs by expanding access to safer equipment, and it affects the state's Medicaid program by mandating coverage for these services. The bill defines "syringe service programs" as harm reduction initiatives offering supplies like needles, cookers, and sharps disposal containers. It does not change eligibility for Medicaid but ensures these specific harm reduction services are funded under existing medical assistance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeSyringe service programs reduce drug-related harm and public health risks, aligning with criminal justice reform by promoting harm reduction over criminalization.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates Medicaid coverage for syringe service programs, expanding harm reduction access for people who inject drugs, directly advancing healthcare access and public health initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Oct 30, 2025

SB 629: Health: other; syringe service programs; provide for. Amends secs. 7401, 7403, 7453 & 7457 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.7401 et seq.) & adds sec. 5137.

SB 629 creates a legal framework for needle and syringe access programs in Michigan to reduce the spread of communicable diseases like HIV and hepatitis. It allows authorized programs (run by health departments or local agencies) to distribute sterile needles/syringes and provide related services. Participants in these programs are exempt from criminal penalties under existing laws for possessing needles, trace amounts of drugs in used equipment, or drug testing supplies. The bill directly affects people who use injection drugs, local health programs, and law enforcement by clarifying that program participation does not violate drug possession or paraphernalia laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExempts syringe program participants from criminal penalties for needle possession/trace drugs, reducing criminalization and advancing public health-focused criminal justice reform.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates legal framework for syringe services to reduce HIV/hepatitis spread, enabling public health programs and exempting participants from penalties - directly advancing disease prevention access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 22, 2025

HB 4334: Traffic control: accidents; penalties for moving violation causing physical injury or death to a vulnerable roadway user; enhance. Amends secs. 303, 320a, 601c & 653a of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.303 et seq.); adds secs. 79g & 79h & repeals sec. 653b of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.653b). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4335'25

House Bill 4334 proposes to enhance penalties for drivers who commit moving violations that result in physical injury or death to vulnerable roadway users. The bill amends several sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code (1949 PA 300) and adds new sections to implement these stricter consequences. Its aim is to increase accountability for drivers whose actions lead to harm for pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vulnerable individuals on the road.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances penalties for traffic offenses causing injury/death to vulnerable users, strengthening accountability and sentencing within criminal justice framework.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnhances penalties for drivers causing injury/death to pedestrians/bicyclists, directly improving road safety for vulnerable roadway users under transportation infrastructure policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety

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in committee · Michigan · House Nov 6, 2025

HB 5216: Corrections: state facilities; medical information regarding a prisoner provided to individuals as authorized by a prisoner; allow. Amends 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.201 - 791.285) by adding sec. 64a.

HB 5216 requires Michigan correctional facilities to provide prisoners with a medical information release form, an emergency contact form, and explanatory materials upon intake. Prisoners must designate specific individuals to receive their medical information during critical emergencies (defined as hospitalization needs) and provide accurate contact details, with the responsibility to update this information if changes occur. During a critical medical emergency, the department must notify one designated emergency contact and may arrange hospital visits for approved family or clergy if medically appropriate. This bill directly affects prisoners in Michigan correctional facilities and their designated contacts, creating a formal process for sharing medical information during emergencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires correctional facilities to provide medical information release forms and notify designated contacts during prisoner medical emergencies, promoting prisoner rights and transparency in corrections.85% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Nov 5, 2025

SB 255: Criminal procedure: other; violation of tampering with utility shut-off procedures; decriminalize under certain circumstances. Amends title & secs. 282 & 383a of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.282 & 750.383a).

SB 255 would decriminalize restoring water service to a lawfully occupied home after a shutoff due to non-payment, provided no metering or backflow devices are damaged. It changes penalties from potential felony charges to civil violations, with first offenses requiring up to 25 hours of community service, and repeat offenses limited to fines under $500 or up to 100 hours of service. The bill applies specifically to residents who restore service themselves, not utility workers or others. It also mandates referrals to water assistance programs for those cited under this provision.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDecriminalizes water service restoration after utility shutoff, shifting penalties from felony to civil violations (community service/fines), reducing criminalization per reform indicators.95% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 26, 2025

HB 4669: Corrections: other; site visits by legislators; provide for. Amends 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.201 - 791.285) by adding sec. 7b.

HB 4669 requires Michigan correctional facilities to allow unannounced, immediate inspections by state legislators upon request. It directly affects all correctional facilities under the Department of Corrections and state legislators (senators and representatives). The key provision mandates that facility staff must grant legislators access to inspect any premises without prior notice. This bill enhances legislative oversight by providing direct, on-the-ground access to correctional facilities for lawmakers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates unannounced legislative inspections of correctional facilities to enhance oversight, directly advancing criminal justice reform through increased transparency and accountability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed both · Michigan · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 5234: 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 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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands allowable uses of law enforcement inspection fees for equipment/training, directly funding operational needs within criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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