Bill > SB0548

This bill amends Section 136b of the Michigan Penal Code to modify the definition of child abuse. It defines key terms like "child," "physical harm," and "serious mental harm," and establishes different degrees of child abuse based on the severity of the harm caused, with corresponding penalties. The bill also provides an affirmative defense for conduct that was a reasonable response to an act of domestic violence and clarifies that the section does not apply to a person who allows a child to engage in independent activities as described under the Child Protection Law. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment and is tied to the passage of Senate Bill 547.