MI HB6291

Changes mandatory language from "must" to "shall" throughout the statute regarding court procedures for vulnerable witnesses, including use of support persons, courtroom support dogs, dolls/mannequins, and special arrangements.

Allows videorecorded statements taken according to forensic interviewing protocol to be admitted as evidence at trial (in addition to preliminary examination testimony) and considered in child protection hearings, provided admission complies with the Sixth Amendment confrontation clause.

Requires if any part of a videorecorded statement is admitted for impeachment purposes, the entire statement becomes admissible; establishes a minimum 10-day notice period before pretrial proceedings or trial for defendants to access videorecorded statements.

Increases criminal penalties for intentionally releasing a videorecorded statement in violation of the statute from 93 days imprisonment and $500 fine to 1 year imprisonment and $2,500 fine or both.

Removes Department of Health and Human Services as custodian of videorecorded statements; clarifies DHHS is not responsible for storing or retaining statements; permits testimony about statements not fully videorecorded if otherwise admissible.