Post-conviction DNA testing legislation passes Senate committee, winter clothing giveaway in Lansing, and more

Post-conviction DNA testing legislation passes Senate committee, winter clothing giveaway in Lansing, and more

E-Newsletter | Rep. Kara Hope | Sept. 25, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Here is some information you may find helpful, including news and resources from your state government.

The Senate version (Senate Bill 1035) of my legislation to update and expand Michigan’s post-conviction DNA testing recently passed in the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee. I introduced this legislation (House Bill 6092) in the House earlier this year, and I testified in support during this week’s committee hearing.

The changes proposed to this 25-year-old law would better reflect current technological capabilities and allow more individuals to be eligible for post-conviction DNA testing. Specifically, this legislation would allow access to post-conviction DNA testing in guilty plea cases and reduce restrictions on the availability of testing.

Michigan enacted a post-conviction DNA testing law in 2001 to assist in identifying the factually innocent and ensuring that the true perpetrator is held accountable. Since 2001, DNA testing technology has significantly advanced; for example, smaller amounts of DNA material are now needed to obtain results. I have been working with the Innocence Project at Cooley Law School, my alma mater, on this legislation.

Doctors, public health workers, and advocates are urging parents to vaccinate their children. In Michigan, the vaccination rate for school-aged children has reached a 10-year low. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, school immunization waiver rates have been continually rising over the last 5 years. Lower vaccination rates reduce herd immunity and increase the likelihood of spreading diseases that could be prevented by vaccines.

Find a vaccine provider by ZIP code here, or contact the Ingham County Health Department Vaccine Clinic at 517-887-4316.

The Salvation Army is hosting a free winter clothing giveaway today and tomorrow at the Salvation Army Distribution Center, 3305 S. Pennsylvania Ave., in Lansing. Today’s distribution is taking place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is only open to Salvation Army voucher holders. Families with students in the Lansing School District can contact their child’s school for more information on how to obtain a voucher. The distribution on Saturday is taking place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is open to the public.

The NAACP Lansing Branch is offering three upcoming essay and resume writing workshops for high school seniors at the following times and locations:

• Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, in East Lansing.
• Saturday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the former Reo Elementary School, 1221 Reo Road, in Lansing.

Participants should bring their own device and any writing prompts they would like to focus on in the workshop. For more information, contact [email protected].

Follow my official Facebook account for the most up-to-date information. E-news contains a lot of good information, but it takes several days — up to a week — to get approved and sent.

Sincerely,

Kara Hope
State Representative

Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties is hosting their annual Potter Park Zoo Event on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families who register in advance will receive free zoo admission. Resources will also be available from partner organizations and vendors. This event is free and open to the public. The zoo is located at 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., in Lansing. Learn more and register here.

The Ingham County Health Department will host a free mobile health unit event this Sunday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Cristo Rey Church, 201 W. Miller Road, in Lansing. More information about this and other upcoming mobile health unit events can be found under the Upcoming Events section of Ingham County Health Department website.

McLaren Greater Lansing is hosting a free informational seminar on understanding and managing low back pain and spinal stenosis. This event is taking place Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the McLaren Greater Lansing Event Center, 3101 Discovery Drive, Suite 200, in Lansing. Topics that will be covered include lifestyle adjustments and treatment options. Registration is requested. Learn more information and register here.

Michigan’s Senior Project Fresh program offers $25 in free benefits to use on fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Eligible participants must be Michigan residents and either:

• Age 60 or older with a total household income of $28,952.50 or less for an individual, or $39,127.50 for a couple
• Age 55 and older and belong to a Michigan federally recognized tribe or urban tribal group.

The program will be open though Oct. 31. Apply online, or contact the Tri-County Office on Aging at 1-888-224-3030 option 5 to find out more information. Learn more about Senior Project Fresh here.