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HB 5656

Weapons: firearms; sentencing guidelines; update references. Amends sec. 12, ch. IX & secs. 11b & 16m of ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 769.12 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5653'26

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 28 co-sponsors

HB 5656 updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines for firearms crimes, working with companion bill HB 5653 to reshape how judges sentence gun-related offenses and affect public s...

bill electronically reproduced 03/03/2026
#criminalprocedure:sentencingguidelines #weapons:firearms #weapons:licensing
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Bill Summary · HB 5656

Legislative bill overview

HB 5656 updates sentencing guideline references in Michigan's 1927 Public Acts related to firearms. The bill modifies sections 12 of Chapter IX and sections 11b and 16m of Chapter XVII within the Michigan Compiled Law code governing criminal sentencing. It is tied to companion bill HB 5653, indicating the bills work together as part of a broader legislative package. The bill is currently in the Judiciary Committee following its introduction in early March 2026.

Why is this important

Sentencing guideline updates are procedurally significant because they establish how courts calculate and apply sentences for specific offenses. When tied to firearms legislation, these changes can affect how judges sentence individuals convicted of gun-related crimes. The tie-bar relationship with HB 5653 suggests this is part of a coordinated effort to reshape Michigan's approach to firearms sentencing, which impacts both criminal defendants and public safety policy.

Potential points of contention

Without the full text of HB 5653, the specific nature of sentencing changes remains unclear, but likely areas of debate include:

  • Whether sentencing modifications increase or decrease penalties for firearms offenses
  • Whether changes apply uniformly or create disparities based on offense type or circumstances
  • Stakeholder alignment between law enforcement, prosecutors, defense advocates, and judiciary regarding appropriateness of new guidelines
  • Whether updates reflect evidence-based sentencing practices or represent shifts in policy direction that lack empirical support

The judiciary committee will be the initial forum for these discussions.

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

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