Michigan Removed 20,000 From Sex Offender Registry
The state registry purge follows a court ruling regarding the retroactivity of laws for pre-2011 offenses.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Michigan authorities have removed over 20,000 individuals from the state sex offender registry. This action complies with a recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling that deemed the retroactive application of a 2021 registry law unconstitutional.
Why it matters
The court determined that applying current registry requirements to offenses committed before July 2011 constitutes unconstitutional punishment. This legal shift forces the state to restrict its registry to offenders who committed crimes on or after that date.
The removals affect those convicted of offenses occurring before July 1, 2011. While these individuals were cleared from the state registry, offenders who committed crimes on or after that date remain subject to current registration requirements.
The players
Michigan Supreme Court
This body serves as the highest court in the state and makes final determinations on the constitutionality of state laws.
Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
This local legal agency is responsible for enforcing criminal statutes and prosecuting offenders within Eaton County.
Larry Nassar
A former sports doctor, he was convicted of multiple counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in Ingham and Eaton counties.
The details
The Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office confirmed the removals via a social media update following the September 2026 Supreme Court decision. Notably, Larry Nassar is among those removed from the registry, though he remains incarcerated for convictions in Ingham and Eaton counties and federal child pornography charges.
Timeline
Offenses committed prior to July 1, 2011 are now exempt from state registration.
The sex offender registry law was originally enacted in 2021.
The Michigan Supreme Court issued its ruling in September 2026.
The Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office announced the removals on September 29, 2026.
Legal Context
This mass removal underscores the ongoing legal challenges regarding the reach of state notification laws and their interaction with constitutional protections against retroactive punishment. It represents a significant shift in Michigan's approach to managing registry compliance compared to the period following the 2021 enactment.
The sudden change to registry status may impact public safety transparency for residents and local businesses monitoring the whereabouts of offenders. Citizens seeking specific details regarding the status of individuals in their neighborhood should consult updated state records.
The takeaway
The court ruling enforces a clear legal boundary between new regulatory requirements and historical criminal records. Michigan residents should remain aware that the registry is no longer a comprehensive list of all past offenders due to this retroactive limitation.
Further reading
For more information on legal mandates, visit the Sex Crimes section.
