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SB 831

Law enforcement: investigations; minor confidential informant; require parental consent for children under the age of 18. Creates new act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 6 co-sponsors

SB 831 would require parental consent and formal oversight for any Michigan minor under 18 used as a confidential informant in law enforcement investigations.

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Bill Summary · SB 831

Summary of SB 831 (Michigan), 2025-2026 Session

Purpose and intent

SB 831 proposes the creation of a new act governing law enforcement investigations involving minor confidential informants. The central aim is to require parental consent for children under the age of 18 who participate as confidential informants in law enforcement investigations. The bill seeks to ensure additional protections for minors by formalizing parental involvement and oversight in the use of juvenile informants.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of a new statute (new act) to regulate the use of minor confidential informants in law enforcement investigations.
  • Mandatory parental consent: Children under 18 must obtain parental consent to participate as confidential informants. The bill would specify how consent is obtained and documented.
  • Oversight and governance: The act likely includes procedural requirements for law enforcement agencies when engaging minors as confidential informants, including recordkeeping, supervision, and potential safeguards designed to protect the minor’s welfare.
  • Definitions and scope: The bill defines who qualifies as a “minor confidential informant” and outlines the contexts in which a minor may be considered an informant (e.g., during investigations, undercover operations, or controlled informant activities).
  • Protections for the minor: Implicit protections may include limits on the type of information solicited from the minor, restrictions on certain investigative practices, and timelines or criteria for discontinuing involvement of a minor informant.
  • Compliance framework: The act likely includes requirements for agency policies, training, and audits to ensure adherence to the consent and welfare safeguards.
  • Reporting and accountability: There may be provisions for reporting involvements, consent verification, and potential remedies or oversight mechanisms in cases of noncompliance.

Who would be affected

  • Law enforcement agencies in Michigan that employ or plan to employ minor confidential informants.
  • Minors under 18 who participate or could participate as confidential informants, and their families.
  • Agency staff, including investigators, supervisors, and policy personnel, who would implement and comply with the new consent and governance requirements.
  • Potentially, prosecutorial offices and court proceedings that involve information obtained from minor informants, given changes in consent and confidentiality requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: SB 831 was introduced on March 11, 2026, by Senator Jeff Irwin.
  • Referral: The bill was referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety for consideration.
  • Next steps: If advanced by the committee, it would move to the Senate floor for debate and vote, and, if approved, proceed to the House of Representatives for consideration and potential enactment. The bill’s specific implementation timeline (effective date, grace periods, or phases) would be defined in the text of the act and any accompanying fiscal notes or amendments.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Protecting minors: The bill strengthens protective measures by mandating parental involvement, aiming to reduce potential coercion or exploitation of young informants.
  • Operational impact: Agencies may need to update policies, obtain consent documentation, and implement additional training, which could affect workflow and resource needs.
  • Legal considerations: Modifications to how information from minor informants is used could affect investigations and evidence handling, with potential implications for prosecutorial strategies and case outcomes.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s described focus and the information available from the action history and sponsor details. The full text would provide precise definitions, procedural steps, consent processes, and any fiscal impact statements needed for a complete understanding.

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

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