INCREASED PENALTIES FOR CRIMES AGAINST SENIOR CITIZENS, VULNERABLE ADULTS

House Bill 4973

Sponsor: Rep. Derrick Hale

Committee: Senior Health, Security and Retirement

Complete to 7-18-01

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4973 AS INTRODUCED 6-19-01

The bill would amend the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.506b) to specify that, nothwithstanding any other provision of the act, a person convicted of committing or attempting to commit a crime in which the victim is a vulnerable adult or a person 65 years old or older could be subject to increased penalties. (A "vulnerable adult" is defined elsewhere in the penal code as an adult who, because of age, developmental disability, mental illness, or physical disability requires supervision or personal care, or lacks the personal and social skills necessary to live independently.) A court could order a violator to serve up to twice the term of imprisonment otherwise authorized for the violation, or could order the violator to pay up to twice the applicable fine, or both. If the violation was not otherwise punishable by a fine, the court could impose (in addition to any authorized penalty), a fine in the amount listed below:

·  for a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for less than six months, a fine of up to $200;

·  for a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for six months, a fine of up to $500;

·  for a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for one year, a fine of up to $1,000;

·  for a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for more than one year and up to two years, or for a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to $2,000;

·  for a felony punishable by imprisonment for two to four years, a fine of up to $4,000;

·  for a felony punishable by imprisonment for five years, a fine of up to $5,000; and

·  for a felony punishable by imprisonment for more than five years, a fine of up to $10,000.

The bill would apply to violations committed on or after the effective date of the bill.

Analyst: D. Martens

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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.