MI HB5263

Expands the definition of "serious misdemeanor" to include 18 enumerated offenses such as assault, breaking and entering, stalking, firearm violations, operating under the influence with injury, and violations of local ordinances substantially corresponding to these crimes.

Defines "victim" to include direct survivors of serious misdemeanor offenses and, if the victim is deceased, the spouse, adult children, parents, guardians of minor children, siblings, or grandparents in a specified order of priority.

Allows parents, guardians, or custodians of victims under 18 years of age to exercise victim rights and make impact statements on behalf of minor victims.

Permits victims who are physically or emotionally unable to exercise rights to designate a proxy 18 years or older (excluding defendants and incarcerated persons) to act on their behalf.

Effective date: July 1, 2014.