State agencies (existing): generally; use of open fields doctrine by law enforcement officers and state agencies; prohibit. Creates new act.
Key claim: HB6128 would create a new Michigan act prohibiting state law enforcement officers and state agencies from using the open fields doctrine to conduct warrantless searches of private property.
Abstract
(HB6128 · 103rd Legislature) State agencies (existing): generally; use of open fields doctrine by law enforcement officers and state agencies; prohibit. Creates new act. Latest action (2026-06-25): Bill Electronically Reproduced 06/24/2026
Why this matters
For state agencies and their employees, HB6128 would narrow the circumstances under which warrantless entry onto private land (farms, timber, undeveloped parcels) is permitted, potentially affecting inspection and enforcement practices at agencies like DNR, EGLE, and MDARD as well as state police. Landowners and businesses operating on large parcels would gain a statutory expectation of privacy beyond current federal Fourth Amendment protections. The action is at the introduced stage with no fiscal figures stated.