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HB 5913

Criminal procedure: sentencing; mandatory sentencing for certain crimes regarding contraband in prisons; require. Amends secs. 1, 3, 3a & 5 of 1909 PA 17 (MCL 800.281 et seq.).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Will Bruck and 5 co-sponsors

HB 5913 strengthens penalties for introducing contraband into prisons, creating mandatory terms for drugs, weapons, and wireless devices to deter supply and possession inside facil

bill electronically reproduced 04/29/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 5913

Summary of HB 5913 (2025-2026) — Michigan

Aimed at strengthening penalties for introducing contraband into prisons and related offenses, HB 5913 proposes mandatory sentences for certain crimes involving drugs, alcohol, weapons, and wireless devices in correctional facilities.

Main purpose and intent

  • To prohibit and severely penalize the possession, sale, or introduction of contraband into correctional facilities, including alcohol, prescription drugs, poisons, controlled substances, weapons, and wireless communication devices.
  • To establish mandatory minimum or enhanced minimum terms of imprisonment for violations, with life or long-term sentences available in certain scenarios.
  • To address both prisoner-centric conduct (prohibited possessions and offenses by prisoners) and non-prisoner conduct (third parties supplying contraband).

Key provisions and changes

Section 1 — Prohibited conduct and penalties for contraband involving prisoners

  • Prohibits selling, giving, or furnishing (directly or indirectly) any alcoholic liquor, prescription drug, poison, or controlled substance to a prisoner inside or on correctional facilities; violators face a felony with a mandatory 5-year prison sentence.
  • Prohibits selling, giving, or furnishing such items to a prisoner outside the facility if the person knows the recipient is a prisoner; violation is a felony.
  • Prohibits bringing alcohol, prescription drugs, poisons, or controlled substances into correctional facilities; violators face a felony with a potential sentence of life or any term of years, but not less than 1 year.
  • Prohibits prisoners from possessing alcohol, prescription drugs, poisons, or controlled substances; violations by prisoners are felonies with a sentence of life or any term of years, but not less than 5 years.

Section 3 — Weapons and dangerous implements

  • For weapons or items that could injure prisoners or help escape, and not authorized by the facility’s chief administrator:
    • Prohibits distribution into correctional facilities; violations are felonies with life imprisonment or a term of years not less than 5.
    • Prohibits bringing such items into facilities; violations are felonies with life imprisonment or a term not less than 5.
    • Prohibits prisoners from possessing such weapons or implements; violations are felonies with life imprisonment or a term not less than 15 years.

Section 3a — Cellular phones and wireless devices

  • Prohibits selling, giving, or furnishing cellular phones or wireless devices to prisoners in correctional facilities or on grounds; violators face a felony with a sentence of 1 to 5 years.
  • Prohibits prisoners from possessing or using cellular phones or wireless devices inside or on facility grounds unless authorized.
  • Confiscated devices are treated as contraband and may be donated to charities for military personnel or other approved recipients if suitable for disposal.

Section 5 — Penalties (general)

  • Absent specified exceptions in Sections 1, 3, and 3a, violators face a felony with a maximum fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 5 years.
  • Exceptions apply for offenses within Part 74 (controlled substances) of Michigan’s Public Health Code, where penalties may be longer; in such cases, persons may not be prosecuted under the general penalty provision for that conduct.

Who/what would be affected

  • Non-prisoners who sell, give, or furnish contraband to prisoners (including alcohol, drugs, poisons, weapons, and wireless devices).
  • Prisoners themselves, who would face stricter penalties for possession or use of contraband within facilities.
  • Correctional facilities and administrators (chief administrators) responsible for authorizing possession/disposition and handling of contraband.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors, who would apply mandatory minimums or life/long-term sentences for certain violations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect 90 days after enactment.
  • Enacting language (Sec. 1 and related sections) establishes specific mandatory sentencing mandates, with limited exceptions.
  • The bill’s structure amends sections of 1909 PA 17 (MCL 800.281, 800.283, 800.283a, 800.285) and incorporates prior amendments (1982 PA 343 and 2012 PA 255).

Overall impact

  • Creates or strengthens felony-level penalties for introducing contraband into prisons and for insider/outsider supply chains.
  • Establishes mandatory minimums (e.g., 1–5 years for various offenses; life or minimum 5–15 years for more severe offenses involving weapons or dangerous implements).
  • Expands the scope of contraband beyond drugs and alcohol to include weapons, dangerous items, and wireless devices.
  • Encourages stricter control and deterrence within Michigan correctional facilities.

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

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