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Bill

SB 961

Occupations: pawnbrokers; certain writings requesting racial identification; modify. Amends sec. 5 of 1917 PA 273 (MCL 446.205).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Darrin Camilleri

Michigan bill removes requirement for pawnbrokers to collect racial identification data from customers, reducing potential discriminatory practices in the pawn industry.

referred to Committee on Government Operations
#occupations:pawnbrokers
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Bill Summary · SB 961

Legislative bill overview

SB 961 modifies Michigan's pawnbroker licensing law by removing a requirement that pawnbrokers collect racial identification information from customers. The bill amends the 1917 Pawnbrokers Act to eliminate this data collection mandate while maintaining other regulatory requirements for the industry.

Why is this important

Pawnbroker regulations affect how personal data is collected from vulnerable populations who frequently use pawn services. Removing racial identification requirements reduces potential for discriminatory practices, racial profiling, or creation of racially-identifiable customer databases, while also simplifying compliance for pawnshop operators.

Potential points of contention

  • Data collection vs. law enforcement: Some argue racial demographic data could assist law enforcement in investigating theft patterns, while critics contend such collection enables discrimination and serves minimal legitimate purpose
  • Regulatory consistency: Questions whether removing this requirement creates inconsistencies with other Michigan licensing laws or federal regulations that may still require demographic reporting
  • Implementation clarity: Unclear whether this applies retroactively to existing records or only prospectively, and what happens to previously collected racial data

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

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