HB 4859 prohibits law enforcement officers from conducting immigration enforcement actions (like arrests, interviews, or searches) in specific sensitive locations, including schools, places of worship, hospitals, courthouses, and facilities serving vulnerable populations. The bill allows exceptions only if a court orders entry or if an immediate threat to public safety requires action. It directly affects law enforcement officers operating in Michigan and individuals present at these locations, such as students, patients, and worshippers. The law creates clear boundaries for immigration enforcement to protect access to essential services and community spaces.
HB 4944 requires police to clearly inform individuals arrested for criminal offenses about their rights. Specifically, it mandates that officers advise arrestees of their right to remain silent, their right to have an attorney present during questioning, and that anything they say may be used against them in court. This directly affects people arrested for crimes in Michigan, ensuring they receive these standard due process warnings upon arrest. The bill amends Michigan's criminal procedure code to add this requirement as a new Section 1a in Chapter III.
Senate Bill 257 extends the time limit for civil lawsuits filed by individuals who were victims of criminal sexual conduct as minors. It raises the age by which a victim can file a claim from 28 to 42 years old and increases the period for filing after discovering the injury from three to seven years. The bill also allows these lawsuits to be brought at any time if a criminal conviction for the
HB 4260 redirects $115 million annually from Michigan's 4% general sales tax revenue into the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund starting with the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This change affects state budget allocations, shifting funds previously going to the general fund toward public safety and violence prevention programs. The bill amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act (MCL 205.75) to establish this specific annual transfer, with the amount adjusted based on actual tax collections. It does not create new taxes but reallocates existing revenue streams.
SB 340 amends Michigan's Bullard-Plawecki Employee Right to Know Act (MCL 423.507, 423.509) to clarify when law enforcement agencies can share personnel records. It updates rules for releasing "provisional service records" and separation-of-service records under related laws (2017 PA 128), ensuring these specific records are exempt from standard deletion rules. The bill requires law enforcement agencies to note if investigations into employee conduct were unfounded and prohibits using old investigation files for future hiring or promotions. It directly affects police departments, training academies, and the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards when handling employee records.
Senate Bill 263, known as the "state employee critical shortage retention program act," establishes a bonus payment program for certain public employees in Michigan. It requires specific state departments, including the Departments of Corrections and State Police, to provide bonuses to "qualified employees." These employees, such as conservation officers and certain corrections or state police personnel, can receive $5,000 for completing two years of service by September 30, 2026. An additional $5,000 is available for completing another two years of service by September 30, 2028, with a maximum total bonus of $10,000 per employee.
HB 4070 expands Michigan's Indigent Defense Commission's responsibilities to include providing legal representation for young people (under 18) in juvenile court cases who qualify as indigent. The bill amends existing law to require the Commission to establish minimum standards ensuring effective legal counsel for both adults and youth in criminal and juvenile proceedings, starting from their initial court appearance. It specifically adds youth defense services to the Commission's duties, defining "indigent youth" as those under 18 facing delinquency charges who cannot afford legal help. This change directly affects young people in juvenile court systems who meet income-based eligibility criteria.
HB 4676 amends Michigan's mental health guardianship law to require courts and guardians to prioritize the "least restrictive means" when appointing guardians for individuals with mental health conditions. This directly affects people needing court-appointed guardianship due to mental health challenges, such as those with severe depression, schizophrenia, or developmental disabilities. The key provision mandates that guardians and courts must first consider less restrictive options - like supported living arrangements or limited guardianship - before imposing full guardianship. This change aims to preserve individual autonomy and minimize unnecessary restrictions on personal decision-making.
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
SB 217 increases penalties for drivers who commit moving violations (like speeding or reckless driving) that cause physical injury or death to pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable roadway users. It amends Michigan's criminal code (MCL 777.12e) to enhance the penalties for these specific offenses. The bill directly affects drivers whose actions result in harm to non-motorized road users, raising the legal consequences for such incidents.
