2026 House Bill 5491

Corrections: other; strip searches according to biological sex by MDOC facilities; require.

A bill to amend 1953 PA 232, entitled “Corrections code of 1953,” by amending section 69a (MCL 791.269a), as amended by 2012 PA 599.

Official record

AI Analysis – Experimental

House Bill No. 5491 requires that pat down and strip searches in Michigan state correctional facilities be conducted only by individuals of the same biological sex as the person being searched, as defined by anatomical and genetic criteria, with an option for visitors to waive this requirement.

Introduced in the House

Jan. 29, 2026

Introduced by Rep. Gina Johnsen (R-78) and 11 co-sponsors

Co-sponsored by Reps. Tom Kunse (R-100), Doug Wozniak (R-59), Donni Steele (R-54), Alicia St. Germaine (R-62), Brian BeGole (R-71), Mike Mueller (R-72), Tim Kelly (R-93), Luke Meerman (R-89), Jay DeBoyer (R-63), Gregory Alexander (R-98) and Jennifer Wortz (R-35)

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary