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SB 956

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

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Darrin Camilleri

Pawnbrokers must keep standardized, dual English records and include the customer’s race on each transaction, reporting to local police within 48 hours.

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Bill Summary · SB 956

Overview

Senate Bill 956 (2025-2026, Michigan) introduces amendments to section 5 of 1917 Public Act 273, which governs pawnbrokers. The bill focuses on recordkeeping and the collection of race information from pawns, expanding the data required in transaction records and how records are handled and shared with authorities.

Main purpose and intent

  • To update and standardize the recordkeeping requirements for pawnbrokers receiving property by pawn.
  • To require pawners to disclose their race on the transaction record, aligned with the Michigan data collection framework.
  • To specify the form and format of the transaction records and establish reporting timelines to local law enforcement.

Key provisions and changes

  • Recordkeeping in English at the time of pawn:
    • Pawnbrokers must maintain a record describing the article, a sequential transaction number, loan amount, the name and address of the person pawning, and identifying information (driver’s license, state ID number, or government ID), plus the date and time of receipt.
    • The place of business and all items at the location are subject to examination by specified authorities (attorney for the governmental unit, local police, county prosecuting attorney, or state police).
  • Permanent transaction record:
    • A permanent record must be created on a form provided by the pawnbroker, substantially complying with a specified form (subsection 4).
    • Each record must be completed in duplicate, legible in English, and include all information required on the transaction form.
    • Electronic transmission or computer-based records are permitted as allowed by the local police agency.
  • Record retention and reporting to local authorities:
    • The pawnbroker must retain each transaction record and send one copy to the local police agency within 48 hours of receiving the property.
  • Required form content (Record of Transaction):
    • The form appears to be a standardized, two-sided (Front/Back) layout with fields for:
    • Article details (serial/model, color, size, Jewels, material, weight, etc.)
    • Purchase price, loan amount
    • Dealer and location details
    • Customer information (name printed, address, employment, age or fingerprint support, race, and gender)
    • Operator’s license or ID, time received, signature, and other identifying details
    • A specific space requests the customer’s race using the Michigan data collection act format.
    • The form includes a space to note whether the item is a Lady’s or Gent’s wear, and other descriptive fields (e.g., inscriptions, design, stones).
  • Race data element:
    • The transaction record must include the pawner’s race according to the Michigan data collection act.
  • Effective date condition:
    • The amendatory act’s effective date is contingent on the enactment of related Senate or House bills (a typical legislative trigger clause).

Who/what is affected

  • Pawnbrokers operating within Michigan must comply with the new recordkeeping requirements.
  • Pawners (customers) who pawn goods will have race information collected and recorded on the transaction form.
  • Local law enforcement, county prosecutors, and state police will have access to these records within the specified 48-hour reporting window.
  • State and local authorities administering the Michigan data collection act are implicated through the race data collection requirement.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Tied to the enactment of related legislation (a trigger similar to other amending acts). The bill specifies that the act does not take effect unless related bills are enacted.
  • Reporting timeline: Within 48 hours of receiving property, pawnbrokers must send one copy of the transaction record to the local police agency.
  • Examination rights: Records and premises remain subject to examination by designated authorities at any time.

Notable considerations

  • The bill increases data collection by requiring race information on pawn records, aligning with broader data collection practices but potentially raising privacy and civil-liberties considerations for pawners.
  • The form’s specificity (Front/Back layout and detailed fields) may necessitate changes to existing pawnbroker software and staff training.
  • Compliance will require processes to ensure records are created in duplicate, maintained in English, and transmitted within the 48-hour window.

If you’d like, I can compare these provisions to current Michigan pawnbroker regulations or summarize potential compliance steps for pawnbrokers.

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

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