MI HB5645

Permits vulnerable witnesses (children under 16, persons 16+ with developmental disabilities, and vulnerable adults) to have a courtroom support dog and handler sit with or near them during testimony in specified criminal proceedings.

Allows witnesses to use anatomically correct dolls or mannequins to assist testimony and to have a support person accompany them during court proceedings.

Requires notice of intent to use a support person or courtroom support dog only when used during trial; notice must be filed with court and served on all parties.

Establishes that a videorecorded statement of a witness may be taken before the preliminary examination and used for impeachment, pretrial proceedings (except instead of live testimony at preliminary examination), sentencing, and to support guilty or no contest pleas.

Makes it a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days imprisonment or a $500 fine to intentionally release a videorecorded statement in violation of the law; effective date is 90 days after enactment (September 27, 2018).