Crime victims: notices; notification to crime victims utilizing other communication technology under the crime victim communication modernization act; provide for. Amends 1985 PA 87 (MCL 780.751 - 780.834) by adding sec. 3a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4661'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Erin Byrnes and 18 co-sponsors

Authors may deliver victim notices via other communication technology (electronic/modern methods) if standards, consent, and opt-out rules are met and the entity participates in th

bill electronically reproduced 06/17/2025

#crimevictims:notices #lawenforcement:communications

Summary — HB 4662 (2025)

Status: House introduced (3/12/2025); bill text electronically reproduced 6/17/2025.
Subject: Amend William Van Regenmorter Crime Victim’s Rights Act (1985 PA 87; MCL 780.751–780.834) by adding section 3a. Tie-bar: bill does not take effect unless companion legislation (SB ___ or HB 4661 of the 103rd Legislature) is enacted.

Purpose / Intent

To authorize, subject to conditions, courts and certain government agencies to deliver statutorily required victim notices by “other communication technology” (e.g., electronic or modernized communications) under a new framework established by the Crime Victim Communication Modernization Act, with safeguards for standards, consent, and opt-outs.

Key provisions

Adds new section 3a to the Crime Victim’s Rights Act permitting a court, the Department of Corrections (DOC), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), law enforcement agencies, county sheriffs, and prosecuting attorneys to provide a “qualifying notice” to victims via other communication technology.

Use of other communication technology is allowed only if the entity:

Participates in the grant program created by the Crime Victim Communication Modernization Act; and
Complies with the standards required by the designated “office” under that Act.

The office must ensure the standards actually facilitate the required modernized communications and notifications before entities may use the technology.

Entities may not use other communication technology for a victim who has submitted an opt-out indicating they do not want such notices.

If a victim gives consent and provides contact information (telephone number, email address, or other required info), a written qualifying notice may be sent by other communication technology and is treated as provided upon transmission.

Defines “qualifying notice” for this section as any required notice that (a) is not required to be mailed and (b) does not require a specific document, record, or form to accompany it.

References “office” as defined in section 3 of the Crime Victim Communication Modernization Act.

Who is affected

Crime victims (receipt and mode of notice; opt-in/opt-out rights)

State and local courts, DOC, DHHS, law enforcement agencies, county sheriffs, and prosecuting attorneys (may adopt new delivery methods if program participation and standards are met)

The administrative “office” established under the Crime Victim Communication Modernization Act (responsible for standards and grant program oversight)

Practical implications (neutral)

Enables modernization of victim notifications (potentially faster, electronic delivery) where agencies participate in the modernization grant program and follow required standards.

Preserves victim choice through an opt-out mechanism and requires written consent for electronic delivery of certain written notices.

Implementation depends on the corresponding Crime Victim Communication Modernization Act, grant participation, and the office’s standards-setting.

Bill