Edwards, McKinney, McFall, Meerman Reintroduce Returning Citizens Initiative Package
Bipartisan legislation would help reintegrate people impacted by corrections system into their communities
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 26, 2026 — State Reps. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) and Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville) recently reintroduced the Returning Citizens Initiative package.
“Reentry shouldn’t start with a roadblock. If we want people to succeed after incarceration, we have to stop setting them up to fail. Releasing someone without an ID is like sending them into the world with their hands tied. This package fixes a simple problem with a powerful impact,” Edwards said.
The legislative package aims to protect in law the Returning Citizens program, established in 2020 to help individuals leaving the state corrections system to reintegrate into their communities by providing them with a driver’s license or state ID.
“This legislation will codify into law a returning citizen’s ability to get back on their feet with dignity by giving them the basic tool of an ID or driver’s license. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to pass the Returning Citizens Initiative and guarantee returning citizens access to these vital documents to reintegrate into society and start a path toward a successful future,” McKinney said.
Under this program, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) works with individuals eligible for parole to collect required documents and photos. MDOC then transfers this information to the Michigan Department of State, which processes the materials into a driver’s license or state ID. Upon release, individuals receive their license or ID, are registered to vote unless they opt out and are provided information to support their reentry into the workforce.
“Returning citizens need to be provided the opportunity to be successful. Prison is intended for rehabilitation and atonement, not eternal punishment. By guaranteeing IDs upon release, we are providing a necessary tool for people to become productive members of society,” McFall said.
As of late 2021, more than 5,000 state identification cards and driver’s licenses have been processed under this program, demonstrating both the demand for this service and its effectiveness in supporting successful reentry.
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