Committee: Criminal Law and Corrections

Complete to 8-28-00

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILLS 5655 AND 5656 AS INTRODUCED 4-18-00

House Bill 5655 would amend the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.136c) to prohibit the purchase or sale of a person. It would be a felony to transfer or attempt to transfer legal or physical custody of another person for money or other valuable consideration, except as otherwise permitted by law. The bill would also prohibit acquiring or attempting to acquire legal or physical custody of another person by payment of money or other valuable consideration, except as otherwise provided by law. These provisions would apply to any parent, guardian, to other person who cared for, had custody of, or had authority over the person, regardless of the length of that relationship. Violation of the bill's provisions would be punishable by imprisonment for life or any term of years.

House Bill 5656 would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure's (MCL 777.16g) statutory sentencing guidelines to include the purchase or sale of another person. The crime would be a class A crime against a person with statutory maximum of life in prison. The bill would not take effect unless House Bill 5655 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.