HB 5537 Summary

• Prohibits using professional position of authority to prevent or attempt to prevent reporting of criminal sexual conduct offenses (MCL 750.520b, 520c, 520d, 520e, or 520g).

• Criminalizes retaliation against crime reporters through committing crimes against them or threatening to kill, injure them, or cause property damage; violations are misdemeanors (up to 1 year imprisonment/$1,000 fine) or felonies with harsher penalties if threats/crimes occur (up to 10 years imprisonment/$20,000 fine).

• Prohibits offering anything of value or using threats/intimidation to influence witness statements or evidence presentation to police during lawful crime investigations; violations carry misdemeanor or felony penalties up to 10 years imprisonment/$20,000 fine depending on severity.

• Prohibits knowingly removing, altering, concealing, destroying, or tampering with evidence for present or future proceedings; violations are felonies punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment/$5,000 fine, or up to 10 years/$20,000 fine if the underlying crime carries more than 10 years imprisonment.

• Provides affirmative defense and exemptions for lawful attorney conduct and conduct permitted by statute or legal privilege; takes effect 90 days after enactment.