Officials with government agencies and private organizations told stakeholders at a Thursday summit that by working together they can better help more formerly incarcerated individuals get back on their feet and lead more productive lives. More funding, whether from government or private sources, would also help according to those sitting on a panel during the [...]
The newsletter reports on policy updates, outreach and educational activities. Download>> SJM Fall 2019 Newsletter Please subscribe to our mailing list to receive the SJM e-newsletter on the latest legislative actions.
Legislation that would allow more people to set-aside qualifying crimes from their records and allow some people to see it happen automatically after 10 years was reported by the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. The bills (HB 4980, HB 4981, HB 4982, HB 4983, HB 4984, HB 4985 and HB 5120) mostly moved on 12-1 votes with Rep. Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain) voting no. [...]
In a move not common with former Attorney Generals, AG Dana NESSEL personally appeared before the House's Judiciary Committee today to support legislation widening the universe of reformed offenders who can get convictions expunged off their records. The Democratic Attorney General wasn't just making a courtesy call. She didn't read off a sheet of talking points and [...]
Legislation expanding the state's expungements laws to allow residents to set aside old and low-level convictions will be introduced in the House this week, lawmakers announced in Detroit and Kalamazoo on Monday. The legislation has been in the works for much of the year and has general support of prosecutors and law enforcement (See Gongwer Michigan [...]
To learn more about Automatic Expungement also referred to as ‘Clean Slate’ legislation, read Safe & Just Michigan’s one-page fact sheet (updated September 6, 2019). Download>> Clean Slate Legislation Fact Sheet
With the underutilization of the state's current expungement process – allowing those who qualify to set aside certain convictions, which helps with gaining employment and seeing higher wages – lawmakers are looking at a variety of changes, including making it automatic. Under current Michigan law, those with one felony and no more than two misdemeanor [...]
The newsletter reports on policy updates, outreach and educational activities, and new SJM staff members. Download>> SJM Summer 2019 Newsletter Please subscribe to our mailing list to receive the SJM e-newsletter on the latest legislative actions.
A major policy shift on criminal justice laws is taking place, sweeping aside the tough-on-crime stances of the 1980s and 1990s and replacing it with an increased focus on rehabilitation, lowering recidivism and preparing offenders for life beyond a cell upon their release. Now, lawmakers are taking a step back and shifting from locking people [...]
The newsletter reports on ‘Clean Slate', a new SJM team member and analysis of data from the Michigan Department of Corrections. It provides updates on SJM outreach and educational efforts. Download>> SJM Spring 2019 Newsletter Please subscribe to our mailing list to receive the SJM e-newsletter on the latest legislative actions.