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HB 4939

Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for distribution of certain material; create. Amends sec. 17d, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.17d). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4938'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim DeSana and 5 co-sponsors

Michigan bill creates new criminal sentencing guidelines for distribution of unspecified materials, tied to companion legislation HB 4938.

bill electronically reproduced 09/11/2025
#criminalprocedure:sentencingguidelines
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Bill Summary · HB 4939

Legislative bill overview

HB 4939 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to create new sentencing frameworks for the distribution of certain materials. The bill is tied to companion legislation HB 4938, suggesting coordinated policy changes to criminal sentencing procedures. The specific materials and offense categories targeted are referenced through amendments to existing statutory language but are not detailed in the available bill information.

Why is this important

Sentencing guidelines directly affect the length and severity of criminal penalties, impacting both public safety policy and individual defendants. Changes to distribution-related sentencing can have significant implications for criminal justice outcomes, prosecutorial discretion, and prison population management. The tie-bar structure suggests this is part of a broader legislative package addressing related criminal justice issues.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of specificity in available documentation: The bill language does not clearly specify which materials are covered, making it difficult to assess whether the guidelines target contraband, regulated substances, obscene materials, or other categories
  • Sentencing severity concerns: Depending on how guidelines are structured, new sentencing requirements could increase incarceration rates or raise fairness questions about proportionality
  • Relationship to HB 4938: The tie-bar requirement means both bills must pass together, potentially forcing difficult compromises or blocking passage if one bill becomes controversial

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

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