Criminal Justice

in committee · Michigan · Senate Oct 29, 2025

SB 430: Crimes: controlled substances; crime of manufacturing, delivering, or possession of with intent to deliver heroin or fentanyl; modify to reflect changes in sentencing guidelines. Amends sec. 7401 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.7401).

SB 430 updates Michigan's sentencing for drug offenses involving heroin and fentanyl. It specifically increases penalties for these substances by setting life imprisonment as the maximum sentence for possessing 1,000 grams or more of heroin, fentanyl, or their derivatives - previously capped at 30 years for other drugs. The bill maintains lower penalties for smaller amounts (e.g., 50-450 grams carries up to 20 years) and for other controlled substances not listed in the enhanced provisions. This directly affects individuals convicted of manufacturing, delivering, or possessing these specific drugs with intent to distribute. The changes align sentencing for heroin/fentanyl with the most severe penalties under existing law, reflecting updated guidelines for these dangerous opioids.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory life sentences for 1,000g+ heroin/fentanyl offenses, raising penalties beyond previous 30-year cap. Expands criminalization and harsher sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing

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passed both · Michigan · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 5157: Crimes: penalties; delivery of controlled substance causing serious injury; provide penalties. Amends 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.1 - 750.568) by adding sec. 89a.

This bill creates a new felony offense for delivering Schedule 1 or 2 controlled substances (excluding marijuana) that causes serious injury. It defines "serious injury" as permanent disfigurement, loss of body function (like a limb or eye), coma lasting over 3 days, or measurable brain impairment. Violators face life imprisonment or any prison term. The law applies to people who illegally provide these drugs when the substance causes harm to the user or others.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeImposes life imprisonment for drug delivery causing serious injury, expanding criminal penalties and increasing mandatory sentences.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Michigan · House Oct 30, 2025

HB 5155: Criminal procedure: defenses; duress as a defense to murder of the second degree; prohibit. Amends sec. 317 of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.317).

HB 5155 amends Michigan's penal code to remove duress as a defense for second-degree murder charges. Specifically, it changes section 317 to explicitly state that being forced to commit a crime (duress) cannot be used to defend against second-degree murder prosecutions. This directly affects defendants accused of second-degree murder who might otherwise claim they were coerced into committing the act. The bill makes no changes to the punishment for second-degree murder, which remains life imprisonment or any term of years at the court's discretion.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRemoves duress defense for second-degree murder, restricting defendant rights in criminal procedure without reform or protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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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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passed both · Michigan · House Feb 24, 2026

HB 5036: Crimes: other; false representation in assisted reproduction; prohibit, and provide penalties. Amends 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.1 - 750.568) by adding sec. 219g.

HB 5036 prohibits knowingly providing false or misleading information about assisted reproduction procedures in Michigan, targeting health professionals and donors. It penalizes false claims regarding embryos/gametes, donor identity (including name or birthdate), or donor medical/family history with up to 5 years in prison or $50,000 fines. Health professionals who use unconsented embryos or gametes face harsher penalties: up to 15 years or $100,000 fines, and anonymous donor requests do not excuse violations. The bill applies to fertility clinics and providers, aiming to ensure transparency in services like IVF where accurate donor information is critical.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new criminal offenses with prison terms for false claims in assisted reproduction, expanding criminalization rather than reforming justice systems.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits false claims in assisted reproduction (a healthcare service), protecting patient rights and safety by penalizing misinformation about medical procedures and donor data.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 22, 2025

HB 4335: Traffic control: accidents; penalties for moving violation causing physical injury or death to a vulnerable roadway user; enhance. Amends sec. 12e, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.12e). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4334'25

HB 4335 aims to increase the penalties for drivers who commit moving violations that cause physical injury or death to a "vulnerable roadway user." This legislation amends a section of the state's code of criminal procedure. The bill seeks to enhance legal consequences for drivers involved in such incidents, thereby affecting individuals found responsible for these violations and aiming to provide greater protection for vulnerable individuals using roadways.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill enhances penalties for traffic offenses causing injury/death, directly increasing mandatory sentences per indicators.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationIncreases penalties for traffic violations causing injury/death to vulnerable users, enhancing road safety standards per bill summary and subjects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety

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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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