Criminal Justice (Corrections)

in committee · Michigan · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 5587: State agencies (proposed): other; grants for community violence intervention services; provide for. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5586'26

HB 5587 creates a state grant program to fund community-based violence prevention initiatives in areas with high homicide rates. It establishes a "community violence intervention and prevention fund" to award grants to eligible local governments (e.g., cities or counties with 35+ homicides in 2 of 3 years) or community nonprofits with proven experience addressing violence. Grants must support evidence-based strategies focused on trauma care, economic opportunities, and reducing violence without increasing incarceration, with at least 75% of funds directed to community organizations - not law enforcement. The program requires grantees to report on outcomes and coordinate with other violence prevention efforts, and mandates annual reports on best practices from the administering office.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds community violence prevention programs with evidence-based strategies (trauma care, economic opportunities) to reduce homicides, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Violent Crime

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 10, 2026

HB 5453: Criminal procedure: other; prison diversion program for individuals in the possession of controlled substances; create. Amends 1927 PA 175 (MCL 760.1 - 777.69) by adding sec. 21c to ch. XVI.

HB 5453 creates a pre-charge diversion program for individuals suspected of possessing or using controlled substances under Michigan's Public Health Code (MCL 333.7403-7404). It allows prosecutors, law enforcement, and social welfare agencies to collaborate on a program that redirects eligible individuals away from criminal prosecution and into substance use disorder treatment. The program requires case management tracking and mandates that successful completion prevents prosecution for the underlying drug possession offense. This directly affects people charged with low-level drug possession, offering an alternative to jail through treatment-focused supervision.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates pre-charge diversion to treatment instead of prosecution, reducing incarceration and promoting rehabilitation - key criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRedirects substance possession cases to treatment instead of prosecution, advancing access to substance use disorder care under healthcare framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Law Enforcement Public Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · Michigan · House Jan 28, 2026

HB 5475: State: identification cards; program to provide state identification cards to parolees; provide for. Amends sec. 1 of 1972 PA 222 (MCL 28.291). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5477'26, HB 5474'26

HB 5475 requires Michigan's Secretary of State to issue official state identification cards to individuals who are about to be released on parole or discharged from prison. Beginning January 1, 2026, the Secretary must issue these cards to eligible parolees using information provided by the Department of Corrections about their release date. The bill mandates that cards be delivered to the correctional facility before the parolee's release date or mailed to the facility if the person is already released. This directly affects parolees in Michigan who need state ID cards for accessing services, housing, or employment upon reentry.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides ID cards to parolees to ease reentry, reducing recidivism and supporting rehabilitation - key criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · Michigan · House Jan 28, 2026

HB 5477: Traffic control: driver license; program to provide driver license and state identification cards to parolees; provide for. Amends sec. 307 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.307). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5475'26, HB 5474'26

HB 5477 allows parolees in Michigan to use an identification card issued by the Department of Corrections as valid proof of identity when applying for a driver's license or state ID card. The bill amends Michigan's vehicle code to require the Secretary of State to accept these correctional facility ID cards, which include the parolee's legal name, photograph, and identifying information. This change directly affects individuals recently released from prison who need to establish legal identification for driving and other purposes. The key mechanism is adding this specific ID card as an accepted document under existing identity verification rules for license applicants. This eliminates a barrier to obtaining essential identification for parolees reentering communities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves bureaucratic barrier for parolees to obtain driver's licenses, facilitating reintegration and reducing recidivism risk - directly aligns with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · Michigan · House Jan 28, 2026

HB 5474: Corrections: other; program to provide driver license and state identification cards to parolees; provide for. Amends sec. 34c of 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.234c). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5477'26, HB 5475'26

HB 5474 requires Michigan's Department of Corrections to proactively help prisoners obtain driver's licenses and state ID cards before release. Specifically, the department must collect required documents and photos 60 days prior to release, send them to the Secretary of State, and assist with social security verification. It creates a "reentry success fund" to cover these administrative costs, ensuring prisoners have essential identification for reintegration. This directly affects parolees and prisoners nearing release who need these IDs to access employment, housing, and other services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates ID/license assistance for parolees 60 days pre-release with reentry fund, directly reducing barriers to reintegration and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to lower recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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passed · Michigan · Senate Jun 10, 2025

SB 156: Legislature: legislative agencies; office of legislative corrections ombudsman; expand powers and duties. Amends secs. 1, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13 & 14 of 1975 PA 46 (MCL 4.351 et seq.).

SB 156 expands the authority of Michigan's Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to investigate complaints about the Department of Corrections. The bill requires the ombudsman to create a standardized complaint form (available online and in correctional facilities) and grants access to department records - including prisoner medical, mental health, and mortality records - without needing a release. It also allows the ombudsman to enter correctional facilities for inspections at any time (including emergencies like riots), consult with qualified experts after background checks, and hold informal hearings. This directly affects prisoners, their family members, prisoner advocates, and the Department of Corrections by strengthening oversight of correctional operations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands oversight authority of corrections ombudsman to investigate complaints, access medical/mental health records, and conduct facility inspections without restrictions, enhancing transparency and accountability in corrections.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands oversight of prisoner medical/mental health records, enhancing accountability in correctional healthcare services without requiring releases.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Mental Health

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in committee · Michigan · House Aug 12, 2025

HB 4760: Law enforcement: other; law enforcement officer use of facial coverings or disguises in certain circumstances; prohibit, and require appropriate identification. Amends 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.1 - 750.568) by adding sec. 396a.

HB 4760 requires Michigan law enforcement officers to wear visible identification (showing their name or badge number and agency) and not wear masks or disguises during public interactions while performing duties. Exceptions allow masks for health protection (e.g., airborne diseases), safety from toxins, or physical protection during high-risk incidents like shootouts. The law applies to all state and federal officers in Michigan during public engagements, with violations punishable as misdemeanors (up to 90 days in jail or $1,000 fine). It does not affect covert operations or officers wearing protective gear for legitimate safety reasons.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires visible officer identification during public interactions, enhancing transparency and accountability in law enforcement - a key criminal justice reform principle.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 26, 2025

HB 4669: Corrections: other; site visits by legislators; provide for. Amends 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.201 - 791.285) by adding sec. 7b.

HB 4669 requires Michigan correctional facilities to allow unannounced, immediate inspections by state legislators upon request. It directly affects all correctional facilities under the Department of Corrections and state legislators (senators and representatives). The key provision mandates that facility staff must grant legislators access to inspect any premises without prior notice. This bill enhances legislative oversight by providing direct, on-the-ground access to correctional facilities for lawmakers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates unannounced legislative inspections of correctional facilities to enhance oversight, directly advancing criminal justice reform through increased transparency and accountability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed · Michigan · Senate May 14, 2025

SB 169: Appropriations: department of corrections; appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

This bill allocates $2.25 billion in state funding for Michigan's Department of Corrections for fiscal year 2025-2026. It covers administrative costs (including staff salaries and pensions), inmate reentry programs (like education and job training), parole services, and facility operations (including body-worn cameras and housing). The funding directly supports 13,207 correctional staff positions and services for inmates, such as vocational programs and transitional housing. It does not create new programs but provides budgetary support for existing department functions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $2.25B for corrections department operations, staff, and inmate programs, directly funding public services per appropriation act.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds inmate reentry, vocational programs, and staff - directly supports rehabilitation and recidivism reduction per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Jun 10, 2025

SB 384: Health: pharmaceuticals; delivery of prescription drugs associated with medically assisted treatment programs in county jails; allow. Amends sec. 17745a of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17745a).

SB 384 amends Michigan law to allow county jails with medically assisted treatment programs to have dispensing prescribers delegate the delivery of specific prescription drugs directly to inmates. It applies to inmates currently in jail or those being released, permitting delivery of up to a 30-day supply of medication for medically assisted treatment. The bill requires delivery to follow written protocols and specifies that only drugs associated with these treatment programs can be delivered this way. This change streamlines medication access without requiring on-site pharmacies in participating jails.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables medically assisted treatment in county jails, supporting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism through medication access for inmates in correctional settings.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllows jail-based medically assisted treatment programs to deliver medications to inmates, ensuring continuity of care for substance use disorders - a healthcare service requiring access to prescribed pharmaceuticals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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