2007 House Bill 5355 / 2008 Public Act 396

Expand allowable uses of victims rights fund money

Introduced in the House

Oct. 24, 2007

Introduced by Rep. Gary McDowell (D-107)

To allow money in the state victims rights fund to be used to pay for the state sex offender registry, “Amber alert” programs, lie detector tests and forensic scientist expert witness testimony. Essentially, the bill continues a practice of using any extra money in this fund to pay for programs otherwise funded by the state general fund. Money in this fund comes from fees assessed against convicted criminal defendants.

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations

Nov. 27, 2007

Substitute offered by Rep. Gary McDowell (D-107)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Nov. 28, 2007

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations

Dec. 3, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 4, 2008

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that allows the funds diversion until Oct. 1, 2020.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 56 to 48 (details)

To allow money in the state victims rights fund to be used to pay for the state sex offender registry, “Amber alert” programs, lie detector tests and forensic scientist expert witness testimony. Essentially, the bill continues a practice of using any extra money in this fund to pay for programs otherwise funded by the state general fund. Money in this fund comes from fees assessed against convicted criminal defendants.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 10, 2008

Amendment offered

To only allow the fund diversion through the end of the 2008-2009 fiscal year (Sept. 30, 2009).

Consideration postponed

Passed in the Senate 36 to 2 (details)

To allow money in the state victims rights fund to be used to pay for the state sex offender registry, “Amber alert” programs, lie detector tests and forensic scientist expert witness testimony. Essentially, the bill continues a practice of using any extra money in this fund to pay for programs otherwise funded by the state general fund. Money in this fund comes from fees assessed against convicted criminal defendants.

Received in the House

Dec. 10, 2008

Dec. 18, 2008

Passed in the House 56 to 50 (details)

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Dec. 26, 2008