MI SB0813

Expands use of videorecorded statements in court proceedings by removing the prohibition on introducing them at preliminary examinations instead of live witness testimony.

Modifies procedures for videorecorded statement custody and access, requiring prosecutors to provide pro se defendants transcripts at reasonable times before pretrial proceedings and establishing protective conditions for defense counsel access.

Increases criminal penalties for unlawfully releasing videorecorded statements from 93 days imprisonment and $500 fine to 1 year imprisonment and $2,500 fine.

Clarifies that the Department of Health and Human Services is not responsible for storing or retaining videorecorded statements and allows forensic interviewers to testify about statement content if the recording is unavailable or fails to play completely.

Makes technical language changes throughout, including substituting "shall" for "must," "on" for "upon," and "the witness's" for possessive pronouns for gender-neutral clarity.