Michigan House committee advances bill for state judges' security protections

The Michigan Legislature's Judiciary Committee convened on May 7, 2025, to discuss House Bill 4397, aimed at enhancing the safety and privacy of state judges. This legislation seeks to implement protections similar to those provided under the federal Daniel Andruil Act, which has already been adopted by numerous states in response to increasing threats against judges.

Judge McKeague highlighted the urgent need for this bill, citing a recent incident where a Michigan state judge faced severe threats, allegedly linked to a court case. The judge's personal information, including their home address and the school attended by their children, was reportedly accessed through online databases, underscoring the real dangers judges face today.

The proposed bill would allow judges to request that certain personal identifying information, such as home addresses and school details, be kept confidential. Unlike broader protections in other states, House Bill 4397 focuses solely on judges and their immediate families, without imposing criminal penalties for violations. It does, however, include provisions for public disclosure of some information, such as a judge's city of residence and voluntarily disclosed details.

Support for the bill is strong, with endorsements from the State Bar of Michigan and the Michigan Judges Association, both emphasizing the importance of judicial independence and the need to protect judges from intimidation. Nathan Triplett from the State Bar noted that threats against judges have surged, with a significant increase in reported incidents over the past decade.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the risks faced by judges and the necessity for legislative action to safeguard their ability to perform their duties without fear. The bill is expected to move forward, with hopes of reaching the governor's desk for approval.