This bill, known as the Shielding Information for Lawful and Ethical Disclosure Act, prevents Michigan government agencies from sharing large amounts of personal data with federal immigration officials without specific authorization. It defines "bulk disclosure" as transferring data on multiple people without reviewing each case individually and allows such sharing only if a court order exists, the transfer serves a specific law enforcement purpose, or it is immediately necessary to protect health and safety. The law applies to all state, county, and municipal departments and officers, while giving the state attorney general the power to seek court orders to stop illegal data sharing.
This bill creates a new legal cause of action in Michigan allowing individuals to sue anyone who deprives them of rights protected by the U.S. Constitution while acting under the authority of the law. It establishes that victims of such civil rights violations can seek redress in court, while also defining specific rules for when judges can be held personally liable and limiting the types of relief available against them. The legislation sets a two-year time limit for filing these lawsuits and permits courts to award reasonable attorney fees to successful plaintiffs, though it preserves existing defenses like sovereign immunity and qualified immunity.
SB 953 establishes the Michigan Data Collection Act, which requires state and local public bodies to use specific criteria when gathering race and ethnicity data in official documents. The law mandates that these forms include a single combined question for race and ethnicity, listing seven broad categories with six specific subcategories for each, along with an option for individuals to add their own details. Public agencies must also publish an action plan outlining their data collection compliance and potential risks on their websites within 18 months of the bill's effective date. Additionally, the data collected under this act is exempt from public disclosure under the state's Freedom of Information Act, and the list of subcategories must be updated every ten years based on federal census results.
This bill requires private employers and educational institutions in Michigan to include "multiracial" as an option when collecting racial or ethnic data from individuals. It also mandates that these organizations remove the "other" classification from such forms. If a federal agency rejects the "multiracial" category, the bill instructs employers and schools to redistribute those responses among approved racial categories based on population ratios. Public bodies and state universities are explicitly exempt from these new requirements.
This resolution (SR 92) urges the U.S. Congress to restore oversight mechanisms for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It directly addresses federal immigration enforcement agencies and aims to improve accountability following recent incidents involving ICE officers and reduced oversight capacity. The resolution specifically calls for reinstating agencies like the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, which were weakened under the Trump Administration, leading to unaddressed complaints about officer conduct. It emphasizes that restoring these oversight tools is necessary to ensure immigration enforcement follows laws, respects civil rights, and maintains community trust. As a resolution, it does not create new law but expresses the Michigan Senate's position to Congress.
HB 4197 establishes Michigan's "Bill of Rights for the Homeless," creating new legal protections for individuals experiencing homelessness. It guarantees rights including free movement in public spaces, equal access to services and employment (without discrimination over lack of permanent address), emergency medical care, voting access, and privacy protections for records shared with shelters. The bill also allows local governments to create designated "safe outdoor spaces" for encampments and provides legal remedies for violations, such as court orders or damages. It directly affects homeless residents across Michigan, particularly youth aged 13-23, by prohibiting discrimination in public services, housing, and schools. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.
HB 4094 modifies Michigan's jury eligibility rules to remove disqualifications for most criminal records, allowing prospective jurors with past convictions to serve unless the crime is similar to the current case. It also prohibits excluding jurors based on protected statuses (such as race, gender, or religion under Michigan's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act) or using peremptory challenges for invalid reasons like a juror living in a high-crime neighborhood. The bill requires courts to deny peremptory challenges if protected status appears to be a factor, with specific examples of invalid justifications provided. These changes aim to address historical discrimination in jury selection while keeping the process accessible for all eligible residents.
SB 509 prohibits Michigan government entities (like police departments, courts, or DMVs) from sharing personal information - including addresses, IDs, or criminal history - with federal immigration authorities unless a court-issued warrant is presented. It requires agencies to verify if requests are for immigration enforcement and deny such requests without a warrant. Agencies must also report annual data on these requests to state officials by March 31 each year. The law aims to prevent local government data from being used in federal immigration actions without judicial oversight.
HB 4397 creates new legal protections for judges, their families, and household members by requiring courts to shield personal information (like home addresses) and enhance physical safety measures. Key provisions mandate that courts restrict public access to sensitive contact details and implement security protocols for judges' residences. The law directly affects judicial staff and their households, aiming to reduce threats and harassment. It passed the House with 84 votes in favor and is now under review by the Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee.
