Rep. Betsy Coffia

Maddy summaryHB 5864 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to ensure that crimes involving prostitution are consistently classified as felonies rather than misdemeanors. This change directly affects judges, prosecutors, and defendants by requiring them to apply stricter sentencing standards for prostitution-related offenses. The bill removes previous language that allowed for the classification of these crimes as less serious felonies or misdemeanors, thereby standardizing how such cases are handled within the state's legal system.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the ability of individuals in Michigan to have their criminal convictions set aside, specifically adding a provision for people who were convicted of crimes while being victims of human trafficking. Under the new rules, a person who was a victim of human trafficking can apply to clear any conviction they received as a direct result of that trafficking, provided they still meet the general limits on the number of offenses that can be expunged. The legislation also clarifies how certain deferred and dismissed charges are counted toward these limits and defines specific types of crimes, such as assaultive offenses and domestic violence, that are subject to stricter restrictions. By amending existing state law, the bill allows eligible individuals to petition the court for relief without changing the fundamental eligibility criteria for other applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's DNA identification profiling laws to require the permanent collection of DNA samples from individuals arrested for specific sex-related offenses, including prostitution and commercial sexual activity. It mandates that law enforcement collect these samples after an arrest but before sentencing, with the resulting DNA profiles retained in the state database unless the charges are dismissed or the person is acquitted. Additionally, the legislation imposes a $60 assessment fee on those convicted of these crimes, with the collected funds distributed between local law enforcement agencies and the state justice system to cover sample collection costs. The bill also clarifies that individuals do not need to provide a new sample or pay the fee if the state already possesses their DNA profile from a prior arrest for the same types of offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 5847 amends Michigan's Fourth Class City Act to update the language regarding a city's power to regulate prostitution and commercial sexual activity. The bill replaces the term "prostitution" with "commercial sexual activity" in the list of general powers granted to city councils to prevent vice and immorality. This change allows local governments in fourth-class cities to pass ordinances targeting these activities using more modern terminology. The legislation does not create new crimes or penalties but clarifies the scope of existing municipal authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Youth Rehabilitation Services Act to require DNA samples from minors under state supervision who are found responsible for specific crimes involving prostitution, child enticement, or indecent exposure. Under the new rules, youth agencies must collect these samples without the minor's consent or a prior court order, and the collected data can only be shared with law enforcement or in specific legal and research contexts. The legislation also mandates a $60 fee for these minors to cover the costs of DNA profiling and retention, unless the state already possesses their genetic information from a previous case.

Maddy summaryHB 5735 modifies Michigan's high school graduation requirements by updating the specific credits students must earn to receive a diploma. The bill mandates that graduates complete four math credits, three social science credits, and one credit in health, physical education, or arts, while also requiring two credits in a language other than English or equivalent coursework. Additionally, it introduces a new requirement for students entering eighth grade in 2023 to complete a half-credit personal finance course that can count toward math, arts, or language requirements. These changes apply to all public school districts and public school academies in the state, ensuring a standardized curriculum for graduation.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's human trafficking laws to allow courts to accept expert testimony from witnesses with specialized knowledge in criminal justice, behavioral sciences, or victim services. These experts can explain how trafficking victims often behave differently than expected and help juries understand the complex dynamics of trafficking cases. While the law already permits victim testimony without corroboration, this change specifically enables qualified experts to offer opinions on victim responses and behaviors during trials. However, the bill explicitly prohibits these experts from giving opinions on the credibility of other witnesses, including the victim, to maintain a clear distinction between behavioral analysis and character judgment. Both the prosecution and defense are permitted to call such experts to testify in human trafficking prosecutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to avoid policies that conflict with federal rules for certified community behavioral health clinics. It mandates the creation of a process to determine where new clinic sites should be located to prevent overlapping service areas. Additionally, the state must continue cooperating with the federal government on these clinics unless the legislature votes to stop such participation. The bill does not take effect until another related piece of legislation is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's penal code by changing the age threshold for child enticement related to prostitution from under 16 to under 18. It directly affects individuals accused of taking or enticing minors for sexual activities by increasing the age of protection under the law. The bill also modifies the definition of racketeering to include specific offenses such as child sexually abusive activity and internet crimes involving minors. Additionally, it removes a repealed section from the penal code to ensure the statutes remain current.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the ability of juvenile offenders in Michigan to have their criminal records expunged, specifically adding provisions for individuals who were victims of human trafficking. It allows eligible juveniles to apply to have their adjudications set aside after a one-year waiting period, provided they meet specific criteria regarding the number and type of offenses committed. The process requires applicants to submit detailed information, undergo fingerprint checks, and notify relevant legal authorities, while also granting victims of assaultive crimes the right to be notified and participate in the hearing. Ultimately, the court retains the discretion to approve or deny these applications based on whether setting aside the record is consistent with public welfare, except in cases where mandatory expunction applies under the new provisions.