Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for driver causing death of blind person or dog guide in crosswalk; enact. Amends sec. 17b, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.17b). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0388'25

SB 389 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to increase penalties for drivers who cause the death of a blind person or a guide dog while they are crossing a street in a crosswalk. The bill directly affects drivers involved in such fatal accidents by adding these specific scenarios to the state's sentencing considerations under MCL 777.17b. Key provisions require judges to impose harsher sentences for these offenses, acknowledging the vulnerability of blind individuals and service animals. The law aims to strengthen legal consequences for negligence in crosswalks where blind people or guide dogs are present. This is a substantive policy change focused on enhancing penalties for specific traffic-related fatalities.