Michigan House Bill HB5744

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/18/26
• Refer: 3/18/26

Caption

Crimes: penalties; penalties for discharging a firearm at a motor vehicle; increase fines if a minor is in the vehicle. Amends 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.1 - 750.568) by adding sec. 234g.

Summary

HB 5744 would amend the Michigan Penal Code to create a new felony offense for intentionally discharging a firearm at a motor vehicle that the person knows or has reason to believe is occupied. A violation would be punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The bill also creates an enhanced penalty when the shooter knows or has reason to believe a minor is in the vehicle. In that circumstance, the maximum penalty increases to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. The act would take effect 90 days after enactment and could be cited as "Messiah's Law."

Impact

The bill would add a new section to the Michigan Penal Code, expanding the state’s criminal law to specifically address shootings directed at occupied motor vehicles. It would give prosecutors a distinct felony charge for this conduct and a higher-penalty version when a child is believed to be inside the vehicle, affecting defendants charged with firearm-related violent offenses and potentially increasing sentencing exposure in such cases.

Sentiment

No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the materials supplied. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be framed as a public-safety and child-protection response to dangerous firearm assaults on vehicles, suggesting a likely punitive and protective policy orientation.

Contention

The main policy issue in the bill is the severity of punishment for shooting at an occupied vehicle, especially the doubled penalty when a minor is present. Potential points of contention would likely include whether the enhanced penalties are proportionate, how "knows or has reason to believe" would be applied in practice, and whether existing assault or firearm statutes already cover the conduct adequately. No specific legislators, witnesses, or opposing arguments are included in the provided record.