New legislation would protect more people in Michigan courthouses

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- One year later, state legislators are still looking to crackdown on crime in the courthouse.

For one state representative, this bill hits close to home.

"It’s still raw, in their minds and my husband, who’s bailiff was shot. He still has a really hard time with it,” said Kim LaSata, Michigan State Representative.

LaSata, a state rep from this district, added her name to legislation that would protect people in the courthouse.

Including her husband, Judge Charles LaSata, who would have seen the inmate who broke free and killed two bailiffs in last year’s Berrien County Courthouse shooting.

It adds courtroom clerks, reporters, and prosecutors to the list of protected people.

The bill would increase the maximum sentence for someone who assaulted those people from 10 to 15 years behind bars.

The bill passed the house in May and a senate committee.

It will have to be approved by the full senate before it reaches the governor's desk.