Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills to Support Crime Victims, Provide Services and Strengthen Privacy

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation aimed at supporting the victims of crimes by boosting access to support services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, adding privacy protections, and allowing oral impact statements to be given virtually.

"As a former prosecutor, I am committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault," said Governor Whitmer. "The bipartisan Michigan Crime Victims' Rights Package will improve coordination between law enforcement and organizations for survivors, prioritize the privacy of survivors who testify, allow virtual testimony, and update penalties for harming health care workers. These commonsense bills will protect people's privacy and safety while ensuring swift prosecutions for those who commit these crimes. I am proud of our record, bipartisan investments in public safety. Let's keep working together to build a safer, stronger Michigan."

House Bill 4420, sponsored by state Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), allows police officers or prosecuting attorneys to share victims' contact information with domestic and sexual violence service providers for the purpose of offering supportive services to victims.

"I'm proud of the work my colleagues and I have done on the bipartisan Crime Victim's Rights Bill Package," said state Representative Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo). "Violence unfortunately has a way of infiltrating our communities - we've seen it in our schools, in homes, at our workplaces and in our neighborhoods. Ensuring victims are connected to survivor-centered programs such as trauma recovery is vital for survivors to feel supported- and it's essential that their privacy be protected as they seek help."

House Bill 4421, sponsored by state Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit), ensures that a crime victim's image could be blurred in videos, photos, and sketches of court proceedings that are streamed on the internet.

"Passing these bills to provide greater protection for crime survivors and witnesses has been a major priority for me," said state Representative Stephanie Young (D-Detroit). "My bill, House Bill 4421, will allow persons testifying to have their images blurred in photos, video or live streams. It is my hope this will give peace of mind to those giving testimony to know their images won't be used for digital stalking or other abuses."

House Bill 4422, sponsored by state Rep. Graham Filler (R-Clinton County), amends the William Van Regenmorter Crime Victim's Rights Act to expand the definition of serious misdemeanor to include additional misdemeanor offenses. The offenses include threatening a state health official with physical harm, embezzlement from a vulnerable adult and causing serious injury or death while driving.

"This bipartisan legislation will give crime victims a louder voice in the judicial process," said state Representative Graham Filler (R-Clinton County). "Crime victims, who have been terrorized and victimized, deserve resources & support & protection during the sentencing and trial phase. These are the kinds of bills that may save lives. I am proud to be lead on them."

House Bill 4423, sponsored by state Rep. Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores), allows a victim to provide an oral impact statement virtually at a disposition or sentencing.

"We must do all we can to ensure crime victim's voices are heard and that they are able to share these statements where they are safe and away from their abuser," said state Representative Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores). "I'm proud to follow in the steps of my predecessor from Ottawa County, William Van Regenmorter, and the incredible work he's done for crime victim's rights. It's an honor to build on his lasting legacy."