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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's marriage license laws by increasing the standard fee from $20 to $50 and raising the additional fee for nonresidents from $10 to $25. It requires applicants to provide a birth certificate or other proof of age and directs $15 of each collected fee to fund domestic violence and child abuse counseling services. Large charter counties are given the option to set their own license fees, provided they allocate the collected money to the same counseling services and do not charge more than the actual cost of providing those services.
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 Additionally, it removes a repealed section from the penal code to ensure the statutes remain current.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.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the District Library Freedom to Read Act, establishes new rules for Michigan district libraries regarding how they select and remove books and other materials. It requires libraries to create formal policies that outline standards for collection choices and a specific process for handling requests to remove items. Under the new rules, only residents of the library's service area can request reconsideration, and they must certify that they have read or viewed the entire material before filing. Additionally, the bill designates the library director as the final authority on collection decisions and sets limits on how frequently the same item can be reviewed.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Human Trafficking Notification Act to require specific locations to display notices about human trafficking. It mandates that the Department of Transportation, local governments operating rest stops or transit stations, and certain property owners post these notices on their premises. The law specifically targets adult entertainment establishments, public airports, and properties previously ruled by a court to be public nuisances due to prostitution or human trafficking activities. The bill also includes a provision stating it will not take effect unless another related bill is passed into law.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to require businesses to clearly disclose automatic renewal terms in consumer contracts. It mandates that any provision allowing a service or subscription to continue without explicit consumer consent must be prominently displayed within the agreement itself. The law directly affects businesses offering recurring services and consumers who sign up for such products, ensuring they are fully informed about how their subscriptions will renew. By adding a new section to the statute, the bill aims to prevent hidden fees and unexpected charges by making these renewal conditions transparent and easy to understand.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's criminal procedure to protect the religious rights of individuals wearing head coverings during arrest and booking. It requires law enforcement to accommodate requests from people with sincerely held religious beliefs by ensuring officers of the same sex are present when removing religious garb or taking photographs. The law mandates that booking photos be taken with the religious items on whenever possible, and if removal is necessary for identification, it must occur in a private setting with a same-sex officer present. Exceptions are made for safety reasons or when a same-sex officer is unavailable, and the bill also provides replacement religious clothing for those who are not immediately released.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's penal code to strengthen protections and procedures for minors involved in human trafficking cases. It establishes a legal presumption that children under 18 are coerced into sex or labor trafficking offenses, shifting the burden to the prosecution to prove otherwise if they wish to avoid this classification. The legislation also mandates that law enforcement immediately report suspected trafficking involving minors to the Department of Health and Human Services, which must then begin an investigation within 24 hours. Additionally, the bill clarifies how prior convictions affect sentencing severity and outlines specific evidence types courts can use to verify a defendant's criminal history. These changes directly impact law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and the Department of Health and Human Services in handling cases involving child victims of trafficking.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's laws on expunging criminal convictions by clarifying how multiple offenses are counted and adjusting the waiting periods before individuals can apply to have their records set aside. Under the new rules, crimes committed within a 24-hour window and stemming from the same incident will be treated as a single offense unless they involve assault, weapons, or carry a maximum penalty of ten years or more. The legislation also establishes specific waiting times based on the severity of the crime, ranging from three years for standard misdemeanors to seven years for serious felonies, and requires applicants to have no pending charges or new convictions during those waiting periods. Additionally, the bill mandates that expungement applications include detailed personal information, a certified record of the convictions, and a $50 processing fee paid to the state police.