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HB 5425

Criminal procedure: sex offender registration; employment of a registered sex offender at a business that provides services to minors; prohibit. Amends 1994 PA 295 (MCL 28.721 - 28.730) by adding sec. 5d.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Bierlein

The bill bans SORA-registered sex offenders from working for businesses that primarily serve minors, to prevent unsupervised access to children.

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Bill Summary · HB 5425

Summary — House Bill 5425 (2025-2026) — Michigan

Jurisdiction: Michigan

Title: Criminal procedure: sex offender registration; employment of a registered sex offender at a business that provides services to minors; prohibit. Amends 1994 PA 295 (MCL 28.721 - 28.730) by adding sec. 5d.

Sponsor: Rep. Matthew Bierlein
Committee: Judiciary
Companion Bill: HB 5426 (sentencing guidelines)

Effective Date: 90 days after enactment

Last Action: Reported with recommendation without amendment (April 22, 2026); referred to second reading

1) Main purpose and intent

  • The bill would add a new prohibition under the Sex Offenders Registration Act (SORA) prohibiting individuals who are required to register as sex offenders from being employed by businesses that primarily provide services to individuals under 18 years of age.
  • Its aim is to prevent registered sex offenders from gaining employment in settings where they could have unsupervised access to minors (e.g., youth-focused programs and venues).

2) Key provisions and changes

  • Section 5d (new) would prohibit SORA-registered individuals from employment at businesses that primarily provide services to those under 18. Examples listed include:

    • Martial arts studios
    • Dance studios
    • Summer camps
    • Tutoring services
    • Youth sports venues
    • Art and hobby classes
    • Mobile vending businesses
    • Bowling alleys
    • Laser tag centers
    • Escape rooms
    • Any other business with unsupervised access to minors during activities

  • Penalties:

    • First violation: Misdemeanor, up to 1 year imprisonment, up to $1,000 fine, or both.
    • Second or subsequent violation: Felony, up to 4 years imprisonment, up to $2,000 fine, or both.

  • Notice obligation:

    • At initial SORA registration and at each verification, the registering authority must provide written notice to the registrant about the employment restrictions, including the listed categories and the prohibition on employment.

  • Enacting and related provisions:

    • Effective 90 days after enactment.
    • HB 5426 would amend sentencing guidelines to classify a second/subsequent violation as a Class F felony against public order (maximum 4 years). HB 5426 is contingent on HB 5425 being enacted.

3) Who or what would be affected

  • Individuals required to register under SORA (sex offenders) would face new employment restrictions.
  • Employers in the listed or similar businesses that primarily serve minors (or allow unsupervised access to minors) would be prohibited from hiring SORA-registered individuals in covered roles.
  • Local and state enforcement and registering authorities (e.g., Michigan State Police) would bear duties to issue notices during registration and verification.
  • Court systems and law enforcement could see changes in caseload and penalties for violations (misdemeanor and potential felony cases).

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: 90 days after enactment (as with most new laws).
  • Fiscus: Potential increases in jail/prison and probation costs for violations; possible changes to local court caseloads.
  • Legislative linkage: HB 5426 proposes adding a Class F felony for repeat violations under the new employment prohibition; HB 5426 relies on HB 5425 being enacted to take effect.

5) Fiscal and administrative notes (highlights)

  • There is an indeterminate fiscal impact because the number of violations is unknown.
  • Potential costs include:
    • Incarceration and supervision costs for violators (state prisons and parole/probation).
    • Local jail costs and misdemeanor probation supervision costs.
    • Possible changes in penal fine revenue, which could affect funding for public and county libraries.
  • No direct cost impact identified for state agencies beyond enforcement and administration of violations and notices.

6) Practical considerations for readers

  • The bill would create a clear, job-type–based barrier for SORA-registered individuals seeking employment with minors’ service providers.
  • It emphasizes written notice to registrants about the restriction at registration and verification.
  • It complements existing school and employment background restrictions by targeting unsupervised access scenarios in youth-focused businesses.

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

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