Michigan House Bill HB6276

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/10/24
• Refer: 12/10/24

Caption

Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for certain crimes related to preventing access to a health care facility; enact. Amends sec. 13n, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.13n).

Impact

If passed, HB 6276 would significantly impact state laws regarding how interference with access to health facilities is handled legally. The bill increases sentencing guidelines for various offenses involving interference, aiming to deter individuals or groups from obstructing patient access through unlawful actions. Moreover, it establishes more severe penalties for acts leading to serious injuries or death resulting from such interference, underlining the critical nature of maintaining access to health care services.

Summary

House Bill 6276 proposes to amend section 13n of chapter XVII of the Michigan Penal Code which governs the sentencing guidelines for specific crimes related to health care facilities. This amendment is particularly focused on offenses that limit access to health care services and facilities, increasing penalties for offenses that hinder patient access due to various forms of obstruction. The primary aim of this bill is to provide clearer legal frameworks surrounding the behavior expected around health facilities, particularly in a context where such access may be obstructed by protests or other activities.

Contention

The bill has drawn attention for its potential implications on civil rights, particularly concerning the intersection of free speech related to protests outside of health care facilities. Advocates of the bill argue that the increased penalties are necessary to protect patients seeking medical care, whereas opponents caution that it could infringe upon the right to protest and peacefully assemble. This controversy highlights the balance lawmakers are seeking to strike between protecting access to health care and preserving the rights of individuals to express their opinions through demonstration.