CRIMES: DEFINITION OF RACKETEERING                                                          S.B. 598:

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 598 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Senator Tom Casperson

Committee:  Families, Seniors and Human Services

CONTENT

The bill would amend the definition of "racketeering" in the Michigan Penal Code to add a violation of Section 13 of the Code, concerning enticing away a female under the age of 18.  (Section 13 makes it a felony to take or entice away a female under the age of 16, from her father, mother, guardian, or other person having legal charge of her, without the person's consent, for the purpose of prostitution, concubinage, sexual intercourse, or marriage.)

(A person who commits a "pattern of racketeering activity", defined as at least two incidents of racketeering that have interrelated characteristics and amount to or pose a threat of continued criminal activity, is guilty of a felony punishable by up to 20 years' imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of $100,000.  The sentencing court also may order the person to pay court costs and/or pay the State or local law enforcement agency the costs of investigation and prosecution.)

MCL 750.159g                                                                  Legislative Analyst:  Jeff Mann

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would extend the definition of racketeering to the felony act of the enticement of a female minor. The expanded scope could result in a greater number of convictions and/or lengthened average sentences for those who would be convicted. These factors combined could result in a $35,000 per year per prisoner cost to the State. The bill also could result in an increased cost to local court systems due to the expanded definition.

Date Completed:  2-6-14                                                     Fiscal Analyst:  John Maxwell

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.