State Rep. Donni Steele recently introduced legislation as part of a four-bill package to strengthen penalties for criminal sexual conduct in Michigan and ensure people convicted of these serious crimes face meaningful consequences.

The package, House Bills 6260-6263, would increase penalties across all four degrees of criminal sexual conduct. The legislation would establish minimum prison sentences for first, second, and third-degree offenses and allow sentences of up to life in prison for second and third-degree CSC. It would also elevate fourth-degree CSC from a misdemeanor to a felony.

“These are serious crimes that can leave victims and families carrying the consequences for the rest of their lives,” said Steele (R-Orion Township). “Our laws need to reflect that seriousness. People who commit these crimes should face real consequences, and victims deserve to know that our justice system takes what happened to them seriously.”

Steele sponsored House Bill 6262, which would strengthen penalties for third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Current law allows a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Steele’s legislation would establish a minimum sentence of five years and allow judges to impose a sentence of up to life in prison.

“Public safety starts with holding dangerous offenders accountable,” Steele said. “When someone commits an act of sexual violence, the punishment should fit the severity of the crime. This plan gives our justice system stronger tools to protect people and hold offenders accountable.”

House Bills 6260-6263 have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.