HB 6217 Summary

• Amends Michigan's criminal sentencing guidelines to add a new discretionary offense variable 26 that allows courts to adjust a defendant's sentencing score based on victim impact.

• Permits courts to add up to 5 points if the victim believes the punishment is insufficient, or subtract up to 5 points if the victim believes the punishment is excessive.

• Allows courts to add up to 10 points if the victim articulates reasons why the sentencing guidelines score does not accurately reflect the severity of crime's impact on the victim, or subtract up to 10 points for limited impact.

• Defines "victim" to include the crime victim and their immediate family members if the victim is under 18 years old, is a vulnerable adult, or is deceased.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment into law.