Addendum to SFA analysis (12-1-99)

Sponsor: Sen. William Van Regenmorter

Senate Committee: Judiciary

ADDENDUM TO SENATE FISCAL AGENCY ANALYSIS OF SB 315 (SUBSTITUTE S-1) DATED 6-23-99:

HOUSE COMMITTEE ACTION:

The House Committee on Criminal Law and Corrections adopted a substitute bill that included, in addition to the provisions of the Senate-passed version, language expanding the definition of second degree child abuse. The definition would include the current definition - an omission that causes serious physical or mental harm to a child or a reckless act that causes serious physical harm to a child. In addition, the bill would provide two other grounds for second degree child abuse: 1) if a person knowingly or intentionally committed an act that was likely to cause serious physical or mental harm, even if the act did not actually result in such harm; and 2) if a person was knowingly or intentionally cruel (defined as brutal, inhuman, sadistic or tormenting ) to a child regardless of whether harm resulted from the cruelty.

POSITIONS:

The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan supports the bill. (11-30-99)

The Family Independence Agency supports the bill. (12-1-99)

Analyst: W. Flory

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.