MI HB5271

Allows videorecorded statements of vulnerable witnesses (children under 16, persons 16+ with developmental disabilities, and vulnerable adults) to be taken before preliminary examination in prosecutions for child abuse, sexual assault, and assaultive crimes against vulnerable adults.

Permits videorecorded statements to be admitted as evidence at pretrial proceedings (except preliminary examination), for impeachment, sentencing, guilty/no contest pleas, probation violation hearings, and child protection law hearings.

Requires videorecorded statements to include date/time, identification of persons present, and running time clock; questioning must follow forensic interview protocols and cover offense details, location, witness-accused relationship, and other potential witnesses.

Grants vulnerable witnesses rights to support persons during testimony, use of anatomically correct dolls, and court-ordered protections including closed courtroom proceedings, closed-circuit television testimony, and seating arrangements to minimize defendant contact.

Makes unauthorized release of videorecorded statements a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and/or $1,000 fine; restricts copying and disclosure of statements except as authorized by law or court order.