The bill amends the Michigan penal code, specifically section 317, to clarify the classification and punishment for murder. It establishes that all forms of murder, previously categorized as second-degree murder, will now be classified under the same section and punished by imprisonment for life or a term of years at the court's discretion. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision stating that duress cannot be used as a defense in prosecutions under this section.

The changes include the removal of the specific reference to "second degree" murder, thereby broadening the scope of the law to encompass all types of murder under the same punitive framework. The bill also emphasizes that duress is not a valid defense, which could impact the legal strategies available to defendants in murder cases. The enactment of this amendment will take effect 90 days after it is signed into law.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 750.317