LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has signed legislation into law that helps protect stalking victims by authorizing courts to order suspects in domestic violence cases and prisoners convicted of aggravated stalking who are paroled to wear global positioning system (GPS) devices.  The new laws, which were given immediate effect, also give victims new rights in requesting restrictions on defendants and parolees.

"We want to ensure that people who are targets of stalking or domestic violence are protected," Granholm said.  "Experience has shown that too often, criminal charges and personal protection orders are not enough to keep someone from harm's way and so today we are putting additional safeguards in place." 

Under House Bill 4453 sponsored by Rep. Bill Caul of Mt. Pleasant, a defendant charged with a crime involving domestic violence could be required to carry or wear a global positioning system (GPS) device as a condition of release.  Domestic violence victims could receive information from the GPS device, notifying them if the alleged stalker comes within certain proximity.

Additionally, victims are to be given contact information for the local law enforcement agency so they can request immediate assistance if the defendant is located within that proximity.  Victims can also provide the court with a list of areas from which they want the defendant excluded.

Courts are now required to instruct the GPS systems to notify authorities if the defendant violates the order.

Under House Bill 4330 sponsored by Rep. Paul Condino of Southfield, prisoners serving a sentence for aggravated stalking who are paroled would be required to wear a GPS device if their victim requested.

House Bill 4330 is Public Act 190 of 2008 and House Bill 4553 is Public Act 191 of 2008.

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