Haveman Testifies for Sentencing Reform Bills

Former Representative Joe Haveman testified before the House Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday relative to the reintroduction of sentencing reform legislation he attempted to pass last term. These bills failed to clear the Legislature during lame duck, however Mr. Haveman is hopeful they will be better received with this Legislature. The bills being re-introduced are House Bill 4137 and House Bill 4138, and they would make changes to the probate and parole system. Specifically, they would include an allowance for presumptive parole. Although the entire package did not pass last term, a Criminal Justice Policy Commission was created by the reforms that did pass, and Mr. Haveman said he is considering heading this Commission.

Mr. Haveman briefed the Committee that there was a moratorium on new sentencing guidelines last term, to which Representative Kurt Heise (R-Plymouth Township) responded there were various exceptions, one of which being human trafficking bills. Mr. Haveman insisted on this moratorium because legislators were drafting bills concerning their constituent’s issues, and not looking at the larger perspective. Representative Heise complimented Mr. Haveman’s ability to put a moratorium on those bills, but he argued that not all the bills drafted were frivolous.

Attorney General Bill Schuette is a large critic of these bills, commentating that they were being rushed through lame duck and Representatives voted against part of the package for the same reason. Representative Heise is hopeful the Attorney General will get on board with this policy as Mr. Schuette will be involved with the work group. Many interest groups have shown an interest in these policies, and Mr. Heise feels it would be in the best interest of Mr. Schuette to be involved with the process and have a say in how these bills will be formed.

Simply put, Mr. Haveman said these bills are necessary because the state can’t afford to continue “our $2 billion” into the equation anymore. These savings will be seen more long term by the state if the package passes. Mr. Heise stated that the increase in jail and probation sanctions will not lead to more incarcerations, a funding concern he knows the communities share.

When these bills went through lame duck last term, it was well known they would likely die in the Senate. This time around, Representative Heise encouraged the Committee to work with the Senate as their support will be crucial in this process.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, February 27, 2015 10:34 AM
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