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SB 521

Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for individual 16 years of age or less in house of prostitution; modify. Amends sec. 16w, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.16w). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0520'25, SB 0705'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 4 co-sponsors

Michigan bill modifying sentencing guidelines for minors age 16 or under involved in prostitution; tied to companion legislation with unclear scope and policy direction.

referred to Committee on Judiciary
#crimes:prostitution #criminalprocedure:sentencingguidelines
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Bill Summary · SB 521

Legislative bill overview

SB 521 modifies Michigan's sentencing guidelines to create specific provisions for individuals age 16 or younger who are involved in prostitution. The bill amends existing sentencing law (MCL 777.16w) and is tied to companion bills SB 520 and SB 705, suggesting a coordinated legislative package addressing this issue.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects how Michigan's criminal justice system treats minors involved in sex trafficking or prostitution. The specific sentencing guidelines established could determine whether these young people are prosecuted as criminals, treated as victims, or handled through alternative pathways—with significant long-term consequences for their lives and records.

Potential points of contention

  • Victim vs. offender classification: Whether minors in prostitution should be treated primarily as trafficking victims deserving protection/services rather than defendants subject to criminal sentencing
  • Sentencing severity: Whether the guideline modifications increase, decrease, or maintain penalties, and whether this appropriately reflects Michigan's policy goals
  • Coordination with companion bills: The tie-bar structure means this bill's full impact depends on SB 520 and SB 705, making it impossible to evaluate independently without seeing those bills' contents

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

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