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SB 155

Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for certain crimes related to preventing access to a health care facility; enact. Amends sec. 13n, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.13n). TIE BAR WITH: SB 154'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 7 co-sponsors

Michigan bill establishes criminal sentencing guidelines for offenses involving obstruction of healthcare facility access, passed narrowly in state Senate with tied companion legislation.

referred to Committee on Government Operations
#crimes:other #criminalprocedure:sentencingguidelines #healthfacilities:other
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Bill Summary · SB 155

Legislative bill overview

SB 155 amends Michigan's criminal sentencing guidelines to establish specific sentencing ranges for crimes related to preventing or restricting access to health care facilities. The bill ties to SB 154, suggesting complementary legislation on the same subject matter. This represents a clarification of sentencing protocol for a category of offenses currently lacking explicit guideline specifications.

Why is this important

Sentencing guidelines create consistency and predictability in how courts punish similar crimes across jurisdictions. By codifying penalties for healthcare access obstruction, the bill establishes whether such conduct receives misdemeanor or felony treatment and what prison time ranges judges can impose. This directly affects both defendants facing charges and the scope of protection afforded to healthcare providers and patients.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Unclear what specific conduct constitutes "preventing access to a health care facility"—could range from violent obstruction to peaceful protest, affecting free speech considerations
  • Sentencing severity: Disagreement likely exists over whether penalties are proportionate; supporters may view them as necessary protection for healthcare workers while opponents may see them as criminalizing legitimate advocacy
  • Tie to SB 154: The bill's connection to companion legislation suggests these may address abortion-related access disputes, making the bills politically divisive along pro-choice/pro-life lines

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

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