“On September 9, 2026, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the 2021 Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) amendments cannot be used to retroactively extend the registration requirements of anyone who committed their relevant crime prior to July 1, 2011, because doing so would be unconstitutional,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP). “The MSP did not make this change to the law. However, the department maintains the database, is required to comply with the Court’s order and is taking the necessary steps to implement the ruling. Any concerns about or efforts to change the law should be directed to the state Legislature.”
Background:
At the time of the order, approximately 43,000 offenders were actively registered or required to be registered.
As of Friday, September 11, the MSP has removed more than 20,000 offenders. As the review process continues, these numbers could change.
If you are aware of an error or issue regarding information for an offender who remains registered for offenses committed on or after July 1, 2011, please contact the Sex Offender Registry Unit or contact the local law enforcement agency where the offender’s registered address is located.
The Sex Offenders Registration Act, MCL 28.721et seq. directs the MSP to maintain a computerized law enforcement database of registrations and notices required under the SORA, maintain a public internet website separate from the law enforcement database, and provide guidelines on the type of offender information available to the public.
