Michigan bill requires parental consent before law enforcement can use minors as informants or participants

Original title: Law enforcement: investigations; minor confidential informant; require parental consent for children under the age of 18.

Last action · June 10, 2026: REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLESponsors: Jeff Irwin and 6 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Senate Bill 831 would require law enforcement agencies to obtain written parental consent before using any individual under 18 as an or participant in investigations. If an agency violates this rule, parents or legal guardians could obtain a court order stopping the use and collect actual costs, attorney fees, and damages between $500 and $1,000.

Why it matters

Establishes a legal mechanism for parents and guardians to block unauthorized police use of minors in investigations and recover financial damages and legal fees through the circuit court.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Minors under 18

Law enforcement agencies would be prohibited from utilizing them as informants or participants without written parental consent.

Directly affected

Parents and legal guardians

They are given the right to provide written consent, seek court injunctions against unauthorized use, and recover attorney fees and damages.

Directly affected

Law enforcement agencies

They must secure written parental consent prior to involving minors in investigations or face court orders, legal fees, and financial damages.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this bill apply if a minor reports a crime on their own?

No. An does not include an individual who reports a crime or state civil infraction on their own volition, unless the agency recontacts them to obtain additional information.

What happens if a law enforcement agency uses a minor without parental consent?

A parent or legal guardian can obtain a circuit court order to stop the agency from using the minor. The court must also require the agency to pay the parent's actual costs, attorney fees, and damages between $500.00 and $1,000.00.

Are emancipated minors covered by the parental consent requirement?

No. The requirement to obtain written parental consent does not apply if the minor is emancipated under 1968 PA 293.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

4 actions

Jun 10, 2026SenateCommittee
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Jun 10, 2026SenateCommittee
REPORTED FAVORABLY WITHOUT AMENDMENT 6/4/2026
Mar 11, 2026SenateCommittee
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CIVIL RIGHTS, JUDICIARY, AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Mar 11, 2026SenateIntroduced
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JEFF IRWIN

Version history

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