LANSING — The House of Representatives passed House Bill 4045 today, which would increase the maximum allowable reward a county may offer for information leading to the arrest and conviction of criminals in their county. The bill is supported by the Michigan Sheriff’s Association and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Association of Michigan.
“Ensuring the safety of our communities is my top priority, and this bill will help counties do that more effectively,” said state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), who sponsored the bill. “This is a long overdue amendment to the current law, and I am hoping the Senate will act on this bill quickly.”
By allowing counties to offer rewards of up to $20,000, HB 4045 helps counties maintain fiscal responsibility while still providing flexibility to provide a reasonable compensatory amount. Under current law, counties can offer up to $2,000, a number first set in 1927. Adjusted for inflation that reward would be worth approximately $27,000 in 2018 dollars. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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