Michigan Representative Matthew Bierlein introduced legislation that would prohibit registered sex offenders from working at businesses that primarily serve minors.
The bills would ban those on the state sex offender registry from working at martial arts studios, dance studios, summer camps, childcare facilities, tutoring services, and youth sports programs.
These bills are about strengthening protections for children and ensuring our laws are consistent, Bierlein said. If we believe children should be protected in schools, that same principle should extend to other environments designed primarily for them.
Bierlein became aware of the issue when a constituent told him their child attended a martial arts class owned by a sex offender.
The state sex offender registry currently requires people convicted of certain sex crimes to register with the state and pay an annual registration fee. They must also notify the state if any information on the registry changes, such as their address.
One parent testified he was surprised to find the martial arts studio owner was not in violation of any laws.
Like nearly every adult I have spoken to, my wife and I assumed from the very beginning that a child sex offender could not possibly own and operate a child's martial arts studio, and therefore it would be safe for our son to attend, Lincoln Christian said.
The bills would impose penalties for violations. Offenders who violate the law could face one year in prison and a fine up to $1,000. Multiple violations could put offenders away for up to four years with a $2,000 fine.
Michigan has around 45,000 registered sex offenders, with 440 per 100,000 people according to state data. The state registry recently ranked fourth in the nation for number of offenders per capita.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan opposes the bills.
I'm also a mom and I understand the parents' concerns, Miriam Aukerman, attorney for the ACLU of Michigan said. This bill is certainly well-intentioned, but it is also flatly unconstitutional.
Aukerman pointed to a previous Michigan rule that prohibited registered sex offenders from being within 1,000 feet of schools, which was found unconstitutional and removed when the law was amended in 2021.
Michigan Citizens for Justice and Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan also oppose the bills.
The House Judiciary Committee voted to advance the bills to the full House. The legislation will now move to the full chamber for consideration.
The bills are sponsored by Representative Matthew Bierlein from Vassar.