MI SB0747

Amends Michigan's child abuse statute to comprehensively define child abuse in four degrees with specific penalties based on severity and intent.

Establishes child abuse in the first degree as knowingly or intentionally causing serious physical or mental harm to a child, punishable by life imprisonment or any term of years.

Creates child abuse in the second degree (punishable by up to 10 years for first offense, 20 years for subsequent offenses) for omissions or reckless acts causing serious harm, acts likely to cause serious harm, cruel acts, or violations of child care licensing rules.

Defines child abuse in the third degree (up to 2 years imprisonment) as knowingly or intentionally causing physical harm to a child or committing acts posing unreasonable risk of harm that result in physical injury.

Establishes child abuse in the fourth degree (up to 1 year imprisonment) as a misdemeanor for omissions or reckless acts causing physical harm or acts posing unreasonable risk of harm regardless of whether injury occurs; includes affirmative defense for reasonable discipline and for conduct in response to domestic violence.