St. Germaine plan strengthening penalties for sexual crimes against children passes Michigan House
St. Germaine plan strengthening penalties for sexual crimes against children passes Michigan House
The Michigan House of Representatives today approved state Rep. Alicia St. Germaine’s plan to establish a 15-year mandatory minimum prison sentence for first-degree criminal sexual conduct as part of a broader package strengthening penalties for sexual crimes in Michigan.
House Bill 6260, sponsored by St. Germaine, would require anyone convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct to serve at least 15 years in prison. Current law allows a sentence of life or any term of years but does not establish a mandatory minimum. First-degree criminal sexual conduct includes certain offenses involving children and minors, including sexual penetration involving a victim under the age of 13.
“I’m a mom, and I know there is nothing more important to a parent than knowing your child is safe,” said St. Germaine. “When a child is sexually abused, parents should be able to trust that our justice system will treat that crime with the seriousness it deserves. If you commit a horrific sexual crime, there should be no slap on the wrist and no revolving door. Fifteen years is the floor, not the ceiling.”
St. Germaine’s bill is part of a broader package strengthening penalties across Michigan’s criminal sexual conduct laws. The legislation would establish a 10-year minimum for second-degree criminal sexual conduct and a five-year minimum for third-degree criminal sexual conduct. The maximum penalty for both offenses would increase from 15 years to life or any term of years.
The package would also reclassify fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct from a misdemeanor to a felony while retaining the current maximum sentence of two years in prison. It would make corresponding changes to Michigan’s criminal sentencing guidelines.
“Predators should fear the consequences of their actions, not count on a lenient sentence,” St. Germaine said. “If you sexually assault someone in Michigan, we are going to hold you accountable.”
The legislation now advances to the Michigan Senate for consideration.
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