Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

HB 4690 mandates fixed prison sentences for certain violent or gun-related crimes by amending Michigan's sentencing law (MCL 750.479a). It directly affects defendants convicted of these specific offenses, as judges must now impose predetermined terms instead of exercising discretion. The key provision requires minimum sentence lengths for these cases, removing judicial flexibility in sentencing. This policy change applies to new convictions under the amended law.

HB 5174 amends Michigan's probation law to prohibit courts from delaying sentences for defendants convicted of domestic violence offenses who have prior similar offenses, such as assault or domestic violence. The bill specifically blocks delayed sentencing under certain circumstances for repeat offenders in these cases, directly affecting individuals facing domestic violence or assault charges with prior convictions. Key provisions include requiring courts to impose supervision fees ($30/month without electronic monitoring, $60/month with it) for delayed sentences and defining "assaultive crime" and "interpersonal violence" to clarify coverage. The law also allows fee waivers for indigent defendants and specifies that these fees cannot overlap with existing supervision costs. This changes how courts handle probation eligibility for domestic violence cases without altering sentencing penalties.

HB 5203 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.13k) to establish specific penalties for disclosing private medical information related to abortions. It directly affects healthcare providers, clinics, or others who share confidential abortion-related details without authorization. The bill creates new sentencing parameters for such disclosures within the criminal code, requiring judges to consider these guidelines when determining penalties. The legislation is currently under review by the Health Policy Committee after its November 2025 introduction.

This bill amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically increase penalties for individuals who take a police officer's firearm by force or cause injury to the officer during such an incident. It directly affects people convicted of assaulting officers to seize their weapons, making this a more severe offense under state law. The key change adds these circumstances as a factor for judges to consider when determining sentences, requiring harsher penalties for disarming officers through violence or causing harm. The amendment modifies Section 16x of the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.16x) to reflect these updated sentencing standards.

HB 4528 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to impose stiffer penalties for drivers who cause the death of a blind person or a guide dog while they are in a crosswalk. The bill directly affects drivers convicted of vehicular homicide in these specific scenarios. Its key provision increases sentencing severity under Michigan law (MCL 777.17b) for such incidents, requiring judges to consider the heightened risk faced by blind individuals and service animals. This policy change focuses on criminal sentencing outcomes without altering traffic laws or enforcement procedures.