The bill amends Section 479a of the Michigan Penal Code to enhance penalties for individuals who fail to stop their motor vehicle or vessel when directed by a police or conservation officer. Key changes include the specification that the officer must be in uniform and in an identifiable vehicle or vessel. The bill introduces new penalties for various degrees of fleeing and eluding, with fourth-degree offenses punishable by a minimum of 182 days in prison and fines up to $2,000, while third-degree offenses can lead to a minimum of one year in prison and fines up to $5,000. Second-degree offenses carry a minimum of five years in prison and fines up to $10,000, and first-degree offenses, which result in death, can lead to a minimum of five years and fines up to $15,000.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the consequences of convictions, including mandatory license suspensions for motor vehicle operators and revocations for more severe offenses. It also defines terms such as "prior conviction" and "serious impairment of a body function," and establishes that the section may be cited as the "Lieutenant Donald Bezenah law." The amendments will take effect 90 days after enactment, contingent upon the passage of related legislation.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 750.479