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SB 255

Criminal procedure: other; violation of tampering with utility shut-off procedures; decriminalize under certain circumstances. Amends title & secs. 282 & 383a of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.282 & 750.383a).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 9 co-sponsors

Michigan bill decriminalizes some utility tampering offenses under specified circumstances, potentially protecting people facing shut-offs from criminal liability while raising concerns about service theft and enforcement consistency.

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#crimes:other #criminalprocedure:other #publicutilities:consumerservices #publicutilities:publicservicecommission #watersupply:systemsandutilities
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Bill Summary · SB 255

Legislative bill overview

SB 255 modifies Michigan criminal law to decriminalize certain violations related to tampering with utility shut-off procedures under specific circumstances. The bill amends existing statutes governing criminal penalties for utility tampering, creating exceptions or reducing culpability in defined situations.

Why is this important

Utility shut-offs can leave vulnerable populations without essential services like heat, water, or electricity. Decriminalizing certain tampering activities under defined conditions could affect how the criminal justice system handles cases involving people attempting to restore basic services due to financial hardship or utility company error, while also influencing utility company practices and debt collection procedures.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "certain circumstances": The bill summary doesn't specify which situations qualify for decriminalization, leaving ambiguity about whether this protects legitimate hardship cases or creates loopholes for utility fraud
  • Utility company concerns: Energy and water providers may argue decriminalization reduces deterrence against theft of services and increases costs passed to other ratepayers
  • Implementation challenges: Law enforcement and prosecutors may need clarification on how to distinguish qualifying cases from criminal conduct, potentially creating inconsistent enforcement across jurisdictions

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

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