The Michigan House of Representatives today approved a package of bills to strengthen penalties for criminal sexual conduct, including legislation sponsored by state Rep. Mark Tisdel that would increase the penalty for second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Tisdel’s House Bill 6261 would strengthen penalties for second-degree criminal sexual conduct, an offense that can involve sexual contact with children and minors, including victims under the age of 13 and, under certain circumstances, minors between the ages of 13 and 16. The bill would change the penalty from a maximum of 15 years in prison to life or any term of years, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.

“Second-degree criminal sexual conduct is an incredibly serious crime, and the punishment should reflect the harm inflicted on victims,” said Tisdel. “A 15-year maximum simply does not provide judges with the ability to impose a longer sentence in the most serious cases. This legislation establishes a firm minimum while allowing sentences up to life when the circumstances warrant it.”

House Bills 6259-6263 would make broader changes to penalties for criminal sexual conduct in Michigan. The package would establish mandatory minimum prison sentences of 15 years for first-degree offenses, 10 years for second-degree offenses and five years for third-degree offenses. The maximum penalty for both second- and third-degree criminal sexual conduct would increase to life or any term of years.

The legislation would also reclassify fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct from a misdemeanor to a felony while retaining the current maximum sentence of two years in prison. Corresponding changes would be made to Michigan’s criminal sentencing guidelines.

“These bills give courts stronger tools to hold people convicted of these serious crimes accountable,” Tisdel said. “This vote moves Michigan toward penalties that better reflect the severity of criminal sexual conduct and the lasting impact these crimes can have on young victims.”

The legislation now advances to the Michigan Senate for consideration.