Michigan House Bill HB5060

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/26/25
• Refer: 9/26/25

Caption

Occupations: individual licensing and registration; licensing of bouncers; provide for. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5061'25

Impact

This legislation will have a significant impact on state laws governing the operation of alcohol-selling establishments. By instituting mandatory training for bouncers, the bill seeks to mitigate risks associated with potentially dangerous restraint techniques and improve overall safety for patrons. Compliance will require establishments to adapt their hiring and training practices, potentially increasing operational costs but enhancing accountability within the industry. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards will be responsible for crafting the training regulations, ensuring that they meet statutory and safety standards.

Summary

House Bill 5060, known as the 'Joshua Conant Act', aims to enforce stricter regulations on the training of bouncers operating in establishments licensed to sell alcohol. The bill defines a bouncer as an individual providing unlicensed security services, specifically in venues such as nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. The legislation mandates that any bouncer employed by these establishments must complete specific training on positional asphyxiation, a condition where one's position impairs breathing, potentially leading to respiratory failure. This requirement is aimed at enhancing safety protocols in the nightlife industry.

Contention

Notably, the bill's passage may not be straightforward, as it ties into House Bill 5061, meaning its enactment is contingent upon the approval of additional legislation. This tie-bar may lead to debates concerning the extent of regulatory control required over the security personnel in alcohol-serving venues. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary measure to ensure public safety and to standardize expectations for bouncers, while critics may contest the financial implications for small businesses that may find compliance burdensome.