Sponsor: Rep. Janet Kukuk

Committee: Criminal Law and Corrections

Complete to 4-12-00

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILLS 5568 AND 5569 AS INTRODUCED 4-11-00

House Bill 5568 would amend the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.136c) to add a section of law to prohibit the sale of children. More specifically, it would be a felony to transfer or attempt to transfer legal or physical custody of a child under the age of 16 for money or other valuable consideration, except as otherwise permitted by law. The bill would apply to a parent, guardian, to other person who cared for, had custody of, or had authority over a child, regardless of the length of that relationship. Violation of the bill's provisions would be punishable by imprisonment for no more than 15 years and/or a fine of no more than $10,000.

House Bill 5569 would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure's (MCL 777.16g) statutory sentencing guidelines to include the sale of a child. The crime would be a class D crime against a person with a 15-year statutory maximum. The bill would not take effect unless House Bill 5568 were also enacted.

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.