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HB 4533

Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for crime of assaulting or battering or endangering a health care professional; provide for. Amends sec. 16d, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.16d). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4532'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 23 co-sponsors

Michigan bill increases criminal sentencing penalties for assault, battery, or endangerment of healthcare professionals to deter workplace violence against medical staff.

bill electronically reproduced 06/03/2025
#criminalprocedure:sentencingguidelines
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Bill Summary · HB 4533

Legislative bill overview

HB 4533 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to establish enhanced sentencing provisions for crimes involving assault, battery, or endangerment of healthcare professionals. The bill is tied to companion legislation HB 4532, suggesting coordinated policy changes in this area. The measure specifically modifies MCL 777.16d, which governs sentencing guideline calculations.

Why is this important

Healthcare worker safety has become an increasingly documented public health concern, with assault and violence against medical professionals rising nationally. Enhanced sentencing guidelines can serve as a deterrent and acknowledge the particular vulnerability of healthcare workers while performing essential services. This reflects a policy trend across multiple states to criminally protect workers in high-risk occupational settings.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: The bill's effectiveness depends heavily on how "endangering" is legally defined—overly broad definitions could capture minor incidents, while narrow ones may miss genuine threats
  • Sentencing disparity concerns: Enhanced penalties for crimes against one occupational group raises questions about equal treatment under law and whether similar protections should extend to other at-risk professions (social workers, transit workers, etc.)
  • Implementation clarity: Without seeing the actual guideline modifications, it's unclear whether this substantially increases penalties or makes minor adjustments, affecting its real deterrent value

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

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