FIRST DEGREE MURDER: ADD CRIMES

House Bill 4431

Sponsor:  Rep. Lorence Wenke

Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 3-24-06

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4431 AS INTRODUCED 3-1-05

The bill would amend the Michigan Penal Code to add to the crimes that would constitute first degree murder.  It would make murder committed while perpetrating or attempting to perpetrate aggravated stalking a first degree murder offense punishable by imprisonment for life.  First degree murder would also apply to murders committed in violation of a personal protection order, a condition of release on bail, or a condition of release on parole.

MCL 750.316

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill's fiscal impact would depend on how it affected prosecutorial charging practices and the numbers of first-degree murder convictions obtained.  To the extent that the bill increased the numbers of offenders convicted of first-degree murder, which is punished by mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole, it would increase state costs, which currently average about $30,000 per prisoner per year.  Increased costs would not be incurred until an offender who otherwise would have been paroled was instead kept in prison. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Marilyn Peterson

■ 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.