FIRST DEGREE MURDER: ADD CRIMES

House Bill 4431 (Substitute H-2)

Sponsor:  Rep. Lorence Wenke

Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 4-10-06

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4431 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

The bill would amend the Michigan Penal Code to add to the crimes that constitute first degree murder.  It would make murder committed while perpetrating or attempting to perpetrate aggravated stalking and while perpetrating or attempting to perpetrate torture (as added under Public Act 335 of 2005) first degree murder offenses punishable by imprisonment for life. 

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.

 

POSITIONS:

The Michigan State Police indicated support for the bill.  (3-29-06)

The Calhoun County Prosecutor indicated support for the bill.  (3-29-06)

                                                                                           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.