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SB 112

Crimes: definitions; definition of racketeering; include embezzlement from a vulnerable adult. Amends sec. 159g of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.159g).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Anthony and 6 co-sponsors

Michigan expands racketeering law to include embezzlement from vulnerable adults as predicate offense, enabling stronger prosecutions for systematic financial exploitation.

referred to Committee on Judiciary
#crimes:definitions #crimes:embezzlement
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Bill Summary · SB 112

Legislative bill overview

SB 112 amends Michigan's racketeering law (MCL 750.159g) to include embezzlement from vulnerable adults as a predicate offense. This expansion allows prosecutors to charge organized crime/racketeering charges when someone systematically steals from elderly or incapacitated persons, rather than treating each theft as an isolated crime.

Why is this important

Vulnerable adults—elderly, disabled, or cognitively impaired individuals—are frequent targets of financial exploitation by family members, caregivers, or scammers. By adding embezzlement to racketeering definitions, the law enables stronger prosecutions against patterns of theft that might otherwise be handled as separate, lower-level crimes. This can result in more substantial sentences and asset forfeiture.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional scope: The bill references "vulnerable adult" but the amendment language isn't fully detailed here—unclear how broadly this category is defined and whether definitional disputes could arise in prosecution
  • Prosecutorial discretion: Racketeering charges carry severe penalties; critics may worry this expansion gives prosecutors broad discretion to elevate embezzlement cases substantially beyond traditional sentencing
  • Caregiver concerns: Legitimate family members or caregivers handling finances for elderly relatives could face heightened legal exposure if disputes arise over account management or contested transactions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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