This bill amends the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure by adding a new section, 25b, which outlines the sentencing process for certain young adult defendants (ages 18 to 20) convicted of specific serious offenses. The prosecuting attorney is granted the authority to file a motion for a life sentence without the possibility of parole for defendants convicted of particular violations, including those related to the public health code and the Michigan penal code, as well as any law involving the death of another person where parole eligibility is denied. The bill establishes timelines for filing such motions, requiring them to be submitted within 42 days for recent convictions and within 360 days for prior convictions after the effective date of the amendment.

Additionally, the bill mandates that if a motion for life without parole is filed, a hearing must be conducted where the court will consider various factors, including those from the Supreme Court case Miller v. Alabama. The court is required to document the reasons for its sentencing decision, and victims are afforded the right to make impact statements during the proceedings. If the court opts not to impose a life sentence, it must impose a term of imprisonment of at least 25 years but not exceeding 40 years, with specific provisions for consecutive sentencing in cases involving multiple violations related to the death of another person. Resentencing hearings are prioritized based on the length of time served by the defendant.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 760.1, 777.69