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HB 5055

Law enforcement: other; jurisdiction of sergeant at arms; modify. Amends sec. 2 of 2001 PA 185 (MCL 4.382).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Lightner

Expands off-site police powers for legislative sergeants at arms to provide security and investigations outside the Capitol under specific conditions and with oversight.

assigned PA 35'25
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Bill Summary · HB 5055

Summary — HB 5055 (Public Act 35 of 2025)

Sponsor: Rep. Sarah Lightner | Subject: Legislative sergeants at arms; law enforcement jurisdiction
Statute amended: 2001 PA 185 — Legislative Sergeant at Arms Police Powers Act (MCL 4.382)
Enacted: Approved by Governor Nov. 18, 2025; filed with Secretary of State Nov. 18, 2025. Effective: sine die (91st day after final adjournment of the 2025 Regular Session). Assigned PA 35'25.

Purpose

To expand and clarify the circumstances under which House and Senate sergeants at arms (and assistant sergeants at arms) commissioned as police officers may exercise enforcement authority outside the Capitol complex and other legislative properties.

Key provisions

  • Expands the locations where commissioned sergeants at arms may enforce chamber rules and Michigan law to include, subject to conditions, "other locations in this state" beyond the Capitol, office buildings, legislative parking areas, and places where legislative sessions/meetings/hearings occur.
  • Off-site authority is limited to actions necessary to:
    • Provide security for a legislative member (or their family/staff) when the need relates to threats or crimes connected to the member’s official duties;
    • Provide security at an event attended by a legislative member in the course of official duties; or
    • Investigate threats toward or crimes committed against a legislative member (investigations subject to coordination requirements).
  • Substantive constraints:
    • Off-site powers in these circumstances apply only when necessary and only while the sergeant at arms is actually performing sergeant-at-arms duties under chamber rules.
    • A request for off-site security or investigation must be approved by the applicable presiding leader (senate majority leader or speaker of the house).
    • Investigations must be coordinated with other state or local law enforcement agencies as practicable.
  • Administrative and oversight provisions:
    • The sergeant-at-arms offices remain state law enforcement agencies.
    • Commissioned sergeants at arms must meet Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) training/licensure requirements.
    • At least once per legislative session, designated supervisors must report to the relevant standing committees on sergeants-at-arms activities and security/decorum issues.
  • Delegation: Each chamber may (subject to the approval condition for off-site action) delegate commissioning authority and related responsibilities pursuant to its rules.

Who is affected

  • Primary: commissioned sergeants at arms and assistant sergeants at arms of the Michigan House and Senate.
  • Secondary: legislative members, their families and staff (may receive authorized security/investigative services); state and local law enforcement (coordination required).
  • Fiscal/administrative: legislative branch budgets (any additional costs for expanded off-site operations would require appropriation).

Fiscal impact

House Fiscal Agency and Senate staff estimate the bill is permissive with a likely negligible fiscal impact absorbable within current appropriations. Extraordinary or sustained off-site security needs could require supplemental appropriations; costs are indeterminate and case-specific.

Procedural history (selected)

  • Introduced: March 13, 2025 (Rep. Lightner).
  • House passage (with substitute H‑2, immediate effect): Oct. 1, 2025 (Roll Call #239: Yeas 61 – Nays 48).
  • Reported by Senate Committee of the Whole with substitute (S‑1): Nov. 12, 2025.
  • Senate passage (with substitute S‑1): Nov. 13, 2025 (Roll Call: Yeas 20 – Nays 16).
  • House concurred; enrolled and presented to Governor Nov. 17, 2025; approved Nov. 18, 2025.

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

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