Bill to Ban Sex Offenders from Child-Focused Businesses Passes Michigan House - But 9 Democrats Say No

Republican-backed legislation aims to close what supporters call a gap in Michigan law

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan House has approved legislation that would expand restrictions on where registered sex offenders can work, drawing attention after nine Democrats did not support the measure.

House Bill 5425, sponsored by Matthew Bierlein, would prohibit individuals listed on the state’s sex offender registry from working at businesses that primarily serve minors. The proposal is part of a broader package of bills intended to extend protections beyond school settings.

The bill would apply those same restrictions to locations where children may be in close contact with adults, including settings where supervision may be limited.

Bierlein framed the proposal as a matter of risk reduction, not elimination, citing data on repeat offenses involving minors.

“If there is a known risk and we have a clear, reasonable way to reduce it, especially when it comes to children, we have a responsibility to act,” he said.

During his remarks, Bierlein also referenced a case from his district involving a martial arts instructor who had prior convictions involving a minor. According to Bierlein, parents were unaware of the individual’s criminal history and questioned how such a situation was allowed under current law.

“How could it be legal or allowable for this person to have a business that worked directly with children?” he said.

Supporters of the bill say it addresses a loophole by aligning restrictions across different environments where children gather.

Critics, however, have raised concerns that the proposal could create unintended consequences or go beyond what is necessary, though specific objections were not detailed during the floor remarks provided.

The bill passed the House with Republican support, but nine Democrats did not vote in favor of the legislation, a point that has fueled debate around the proposal.

Bierlein pushed back on criticism that the legislation was unnecessary.

“We’ve been told this is a solution looking for a problem. Here’s the problem,” he said, before describing the case involving the instructor.

He added that many parents assume such protections are already in place.

“They’re not asking for perfection, but they are asking for common sense,” Bierlein said.

The legislation is part of a package that includes additional measures aimed at enforcement and implementation. The bills would need further approval before becoming law.