Michigan Senate Bill SB0318

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/20/25
• Refer: 5/20/25

Caption

Corrections: other; responsibility for nonemergency medical, dental, or optometric services; modify. Amends sec. 67a of 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.267a).

Summary

Senate Bill 318 amends the Michigan Corrections Code to change how prisoners are charged for certain medical services. Under the bill, a prisoner who requests nonemergency medical, dental, or optometric care must pay a copayment fee set by the Department of Corrections. If the prisoner is a minor, the prisoner’s parent or guardian may also be responsible for the copayment. The bill also provides that a prisoner who intentionally injures himself or herself and then receives emergency medical care for that injury must pay the full cost of that care, rather than only a copayment. In addition to the cost-sharing provisions, the bill directs the department to determine whether prisoners who intentionally injure themselves should be housed in a facility designed to provide on-site treatment for those injuries. The department director is required to report to the Legislature on the feasibility and cost of implementing that housing approach within six months of the effective date. Overall, the bill is aimed at shifting some medical costs to prisoners and evaluating whether a specialized housing arrangement could reduce the burden of treating self-inflicted injuries.

Impact

The bill would amend section 67a of the Corrections Code of 1953, specifically MCL 791.267a, by expanding and clarifying prisoner financial responsibility for medical, dental, and optometric services. It would authorize the Department of Corrections to assess copayments for nonemergency care requested by prisoners, impose full liability for emergency treatment related to intentional self-injury, and potentially extend payment responsibility to parents or guardians of minor prisoners. It also creates a reporting requirement for the department regarding specialized housing for prisoners who self-injure, which could influence future correctional facility operations and medical treatment practices.

Sentiment

The available record shows no committee transcripts or recorded votes, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the materials provided. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to reflect a cost-containment and accountability approach within the corrections system, suggesting likely support from those favoring reduced state medical expenditures and stronger deterrence against misuse of medical services. At the same time, the provisions imposing full medical costs for intentional self-injury and possible liability for minors’ parents or guardians could draw concern from those worried about fairness, inmate access to care, or the practical enforceability of such charges.

Contention

The main points of contention are likely to be whether prisoners should bear the full cost of emergency care for self-inflicted injuries, whether charging parents or guardians for a minor prisoner’s copayment is appropriate, and whether the Department of Corrections should be required to consider specialized housing for inmates who intentionally injure themselves. Supporters would likely emphasize fiscal responsibility and deterrence, while opponents may argue that the policy could discourage necessary medical treatment or create administrative and ethical complications. Because there are no transcripts or votes included, the specific positions of legislators or stakeholders are not documented in the provided materials.