Michigan Senate Passes Bill to Protect Michigan Judges

The proposed Michigan Judicial Protection Act won another key victory this week. The state Senate passed HB 5724 with bipartisan support. The Judicial Protection Act would ensure that state-level judges in Michigan have the same protection currently provided by federal law to their federal colleagues.

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.

"Judges should never have to live in fear for their own safety or that of their families.”  State Bar of Michigan President Joseph P. McGill said.  “This bill is essential in safeguarding their well-being and upholding the rule of law—a fundamental pillar of our democracy—against the threats of fear, violence, and intimidation."

The bill will return to the House for concurrence before going to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is expected to sign the legislation into law. HB 5724 previously passed the House 81-27.

The Judicial Protection 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).

Posted December 11, 2024