Criminal Justice Reform

Senator John Proos (R-Saint Joseph) introduced on Tuesday a long-anticipated package of bills aimed at reforming the juvenile criminal justice system. The current rate of paroled or probationary prisoners in Michigan is 50 percent, where the national average is around 30 percent.

SB 932 creates a Parole Sanctions Certainty Act within the Corrections code that requires the department to adopt a system of sanction certainty for violations of conditions of parole. The system is to be created within the five counties in the state with the greatest number of criminal violations. SB 933 changes the penalties for technical probation violations. SB 934 reduces the felony probation period after the violator has completed half of the period, or, if after review of the case, the court determines the violator warrants reduction.

SB 935 creates an incentive program within Treasury to encourage the supervising regions with probation and parole officers that implement supervision practices. SB 936 requires the use of “evidence-based supervision practices” that reduce recidivism among individuals on probation, parole or post-release supervision. SB 937 defines recidivism as “re-arrest, reconviction and reincarceration in prison or jail within three to five years of his or her initial release.”

SB 938 establishes a criminal justice data and management program to effectively show how all the different elements of the criminal justice life cycle fit together. SB 939 requires Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) to submit quarterly reports with reasons inmates beyond their earliest release date have not been paroled. SB 940 requires MDOC to develop screening and registration policies and procedures for reentry services to correctional institutions by certain organizations.

SB 941 allows for expeditious commutation hearings and procedures if requested based on a prisoner’s heath condition and outlines the procedure for the Parole Board in such an event. SB 942 allocates $1 million in the crime victims fund for child assessment centers for trauma or abuse as a result of a criminal offense. SB 943 requires MDOC to report parole absconders to the Department of Health and Human Services and SB 944 ensures these individuals cannot receive state financial assistance.

SB 945 requires those between the ages of 17 and 22 to be housed with others in the facility of that same age unless under special circumstances and SB 946 establishes and implements a work opportunity employer reimbursement program to allow the Talent Investment Agency to incentivize employers to hire parolees. SB 947 revises a reference to general education development to high school equivalency.

SB 948 establishes the Swift and Sure Probation Supervision Fund within the state treasury where courts may apply for grants, and how individuals may be eligible for the program. SB 949 allows the expansion of the Swift and Sure Sanctions program in any judicial circuit if adopted by statute or court rule. A court can accept participants from any other jurisdiction so long as the specific parties agree it to.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, May 6, 2016 10:46 AM
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