Michigan Senate Passes Bill to Protect Michigan Judges

The proposed Michigan Judicial Protection Act was passed by the Michigan Senate last month with bipartisan support and is expected to move forward in the House when the Legislature returns from break. If signed into law, the act would ensure that state-level judges in Michigan have the same protections currently provided by federal law to their federal colleagues.

The act would permit a state or tribal judge to request that a public body or private person not publicly disclose personal information about them and about their immediate family.

Personal information would include the judge/family members’ date of birth, address (except city/township), home and cell phone numbers, driver’s license number, social security number, tax ID number, credit card information, bank account information, license plate number and unique vehicle identifiers, school or daycare information, and place of employment (except courthouse).

The bill will next be considered by the Judiciary Committee after the House returns from spring break on April 15.

The Judicial Protection Act is supported by the State Bar of Michigan, State Court Administrative Office, Michigan Judges Association, Michigan District Judges Association, and the Michigan Probate Judges Association.

Posted: April 1, 2025