Dear Neighbor,
Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including updates and news from your state government.
Package to Ban the Use of Juvenile Life Without Parole Passes Committee
Michigan stands out in many positive ways. However, our state unfortunately also stands out in the number of juvenile offenders serving life sentences: we’re number one. That is true despite the fact that 27 states and the District of Columbia have banned the imposition of life sentences, without the possibility of parole on juveniles. In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court and the Michigan Supreme Court have significantly restricted the use of juvenile life sentences.
This week in the House Criminal Justice committee, legislation passed to ban life sentences, without the possibility of parole on youths under age 19. This reflects well-established science on brain development — we know that young people do not possess the same capacity as adults do for self-control and anticipation of consequences. What’s more, data shows that sentences longer than 20 years on juvenile offenders do not benefit public safety.
Under these bills, offenders sentenced as juveniles would be eligible for parole consideration after 20 years. They could still be required to serve sentences up to 60 years. The package is supported by crime victims, clergy, law enforcement and scientists. The bills still need to pass the full House, Senate committee and the full Senate before heading to the governor’s desk.
Criminal Justice Committee Passes Second Look Legislation
Did you know that Michigan is one of the nation’s biggest spenders on corrections? The corrections budget last year was just over $2 billion. That makes us first in corrections spending both per person and as a percentage of the state’s overall budget. One reason for this is that Michigan imposes uniquely long minimum sentences, resulting in a large prison population that includes many elderly and infirm prisoners. These prisoners take up a lot of resources even though they are, in many cases, physically incapable of committing further crimes. In the meantime, corrections departments are woefully understaffed; officers end up working countless hours of mandatory overtime under extremely stressful conditions. Officer turnover is high. A recent report to the Legislature showed that Michigan has about 1,000 unfilled officer positions and another 500 unfilled medical staff positions.
Second Look legislation is one way to alleviate some of this burden on corrections officers and taxpayers and to improve safety for everyone. The bills, which recently passed the House Criminal Justice Committee, create a procedure under which prisoners who have served 20 years or more can petition their sentencing court for resentencing. The judge maintains discretion, meaning that they decide whether to reject or grant the petition and reduce the sentence. Unfortunately, there is misinformation circulating about Second Look — it is not a “get out of jail free” card. Instead, it’s an opportunity for re-sentencing that, in all likelihood, will not often be granted. The bills still need to pass the full House, Senate committee and the full Senate before heading to the governor’s desk.
(Image courtesy of University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy)
Legislation Signed to Restrict Firearms at Polls and Vote Counting Centers
This week, Gov. Whitmer signed legislation to restrict firearms at voting locations and vote counting centers. Public Act 157 of 2024 prohibits openly carrying firearms at Election Day polling locations, early voting centers, clerks’ offices and absentee ballot drop boxes. PA 158 bans firearms at locations where election workers count absentee ballots. This law will protect election workers and ensure that voters feel safe when casting their ballot.
Sincerely,
Kara Hope
State Representative