Crimes: assaultive; harassing, interfering with, or injuring a letter carrier; prohibit, and provide penalties. Amends sec. 81d of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.81d).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Hertel and 1 co-sponsor

SB 844 raises penalties for assaults on people performing official duties, including USPS letter carriers, with higher prison terms for injuries and death.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CIVIL RIGHTS, JUDICIARY, AND PUBLIC SAFETY

#crimes:assaultive #crimes:penalties

Purpose and intent

SB 844 would amend section 81d of the Michigan Penal Code (1931 PA 328) to address assaults, harassing, or interfering with individuals performing their official duties, explicitly including letter carriers (USPS employees) among protected “persons.”

The bill sets tiered felony penalties based on the severity of harm and impairments resulting from the assault or interference.

Key provisions and changes

Adds enhanced penalties for assaults or interference against a person known or reasonably believed to be performing official duties.

The statute already criminalizes various offenses against such persons; SB 844 refines penalties by harm level:

(1) Basic offense: Up to 2 years imprisonment or a fine up to $2,000, or both.
(2) Bodily injury requiring medical attention: Up to 4 years imprisonment or a fine up to $5,000, or both.
(3) Serious impairment of a body function: Up to 15 years imprisonment or a fine up to $10,000, or both.
(4) Death of the person: Up to 20 years imprisonment or a fine up to $20,000, or both.

Parallel language clarifies that penalties can run consecutive to other related offenses arising from the same transaction.

Definitions and scope:

“Obstruct” includes using or threatening force or failing to comply with a lawful command.
“Person” encompasses a broad range of law enforcement and public safety roles, including:
State or local police officers, university or college police, and other designated officers.
Firefighters, emergency medical service personnel, search and rescue operators.
A wide list of federal and state officials, conservation officers, sheriffs, constables, and peace officers (explicitly including U.S. Secret Service and Department of Justice personnel).
Specifically includes a letter carrier employed by or under contract with the United States Postal Service.
“Serious impairment of a body function” references the Michigan Vehicle Code definition (section 58c).

Effective date: 90 days after enactment.

Who is affected

Primary targets: individuals who assault, batter, wound, resist, obstruct, oppose, or endanger someone performing official duties.

Explicit inclusion of U.S. postal letter carriers broadens protection for postal workers.

Applies to a wide array of public safety and related roles as defined in the bill.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Status: Introduced March 18, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.

The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment (standard in Michigan for new laws unless specified otherwise).

Provisions operate in conjunction with existing governing law and do not preclude other charges arising from the same incident.

Practical impact

Provides clearer, higher penalties for assaults or interference against individuals performing official duties, with specifically enhanced consequences for more serious injuries or death.

Sends a legislative signal of stronger protections for frontline workers and authorized personnel, including postal workers.

Could influence charging decisions and sentencing in cases involving assaults on public servants, particularly where the victim is a letter carrier.

Bill