On November 12, 2024 the House Criminal Justice Standing Committee heard testimony on a package of bills to advance pretrial reform in Michigan. Safe & Just Michigan Executive Director John S. Cooper provided written testimony and stated:
“The pending bill package would eliminate cash bail in many low-level, non-violent cases while leaving the existing system in place for more serious or violent cases. In doing so, it recognizes that pretrial detention should be reserved for people who pose a demonstrable threat to the public rather than those who are simply unable to pay, while acknowledging concerns about including serious and violent cases in the initial round of bills.”
Download>> SJM Testimony in support of Pretrial Reform Package November 12, 2024.docx