Bills to reduce recidivism and help reintegration
State Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) testifies in a House committee at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 27, 2024 — The Michigan Legislature passed House Bills 4191-4194, a critical package that will ensure citizens being released from prison are equipped with a state driver’s license or identification card prior to returning to communities. The bills are anticipated to head to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her signature.
The legislation, sponsored by state Reps. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), and Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township), implements guidelines for the Secretary of State and Department of Corrections to follow when assisting incarcerated individuals in securing proper identification prior to their release.
Having state identification is a foundational step for reintegration into society. It is essential for accessing housing, employment, medical care, and other vital services. Without proper identification, many returning citizens may face unnecessary barriers that hinder their ability to build stable and productive lives post-incarceration.
“This legislation is crucial for thousands of Michiganders leaving prison,” McFall said. “Ensuring that returning citizens have state identification when they re-enter communities isn’t just common sense — it’s a vital step to reduce recidivism and give people a real chance to succeed. I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues, state Reps. Aiyash, Edwards, and Brabec to make this a reality.”
Once signed into law, the policy will help thousands of individuals successfully reintegrate into society each year, helping make Michigan a model for reentry success.
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