MI HB5562

Establishes four degrees of child abuse with increasing severity: first degree (serious physical or mental harm), second degree (omission causing harm, reckless acts, or cruel acts), third degree (knowing/intentional physical harm), and fourth degree (omission or reckless acts causing physical harm or unreasonable risk of harm).

Sets penalties for child abuse ranging from up to 1 year imprisonment for fourth degree misdemeanor to life imprisonment for first degree felony; second degree felony punishable by up to 10 years for first offense or up to 20 years for subsequent offenses.

Adds new offense for committing any degree of child abuse in the presence of another child, with matching or enhanced sentences (up to life for first degree, up to 10-20 years for second degree, up to 2 years for third degree).

Preserves parental and guardian right to use reasonable force for child discipline and provides affirmative defense when conduct was reasonable response to domestic violence.

Takes effect July 1, 2012, and is titled "Dominick's Law."