Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for releasing confidential information related to an abortion; provide for. Amends sec. 13k, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.13k). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5201'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 21 co-sponsors

House Bill 5203 establishes penalties for unauthorized disclosure of abortion-related information, protecting patient privacy and requiring healthcare reporting standards.

referred to second reading

#criminalprocedure:sentencingguidelines

Summary of House Bill 5203

Bill Number: HB 5203
Title: Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for releasing confidential information related to an abortion; provide for.
Introduced: November 04, 2025
Status: Bill electronically reproduced on November 04, 2025
Committee: Health Policy
TIE BAR WITH: HB 5201 and HB 5202

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 5203 aims to amend Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure to establish sentencing guidelines for a new felony offense related to the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information pertaining to abortions. This bill is part of a broader legislative effort, tied to House Bills 5201 and 5202, which introduce new reporting requirements and confidentiality protections for abortion-related data.

Key Provisions

Creation of a New Felony: The bill classifies the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information related to abortions as a Class G felony against the public trust.

Sentencing Guidelines: The maximum penalty for this felony is three years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

Tied Legislation: The enactment of HB 5203 is contingent upon the passage of HB 5201 and HB 5202, which establish the reporting requirements and confidentiality measures for abortion procedures.

Impact

Who is Affected?

Healthcare Professionals: Those who perform abortions will be required to adhere to new reporting standards, ensuring patient confidentiality.

Patients: The legislation aims to protect the privacy of individuals seeking abortions by prohibiting the disclosure of identifying information.

State Agencies: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will be responsible for collecting and managing the reports while ensuring confidentiality.

Procedural Aspects

Implementation Timeline: The bill cannot take effect until both HB 5201 and HB 5202 are enacted.

Reporting Requirements: Healthcare professionals will need to report specific details about abortion procedures to DHHS, which will maintain confidentiality and destroy individual reports after five years.

Fiscal Impact

The implementation of HB 5203, along with the associated bills, is expected to increase state expenditures for the DHHS due to the costs associated with creating standardized reporting forms and managing the data collection process. The fiscal impact on local governments is anticipated to be minimal, while potential increases in felony convictions could lead to higher costs related to state prison and probation supervision.

Conclusion

House Bill 5203 is a legislative measure designed to enhance the confidentiality of abortion-related information in Michigan while establishing penalties for unauthorized disclosures. By aligning with related bills, it seeks to create a comprehensive framework for reporting and protecting sensitive health information.