A Michigan Senate subcommittee has announced a new plan designed to reduce the number of recently-released prisoners who wind up back behind bars. State Senator John Proos says the package of legislation focuses on rehabilitation with a mind on long-term savings. He says the plan will also mean less crime.
“Focusing some of those reinvestment dollars on smart justice gives us the very best chance to increase safety and security in our communities, and to see the kinds of reforms necessary to close Michigan prisons because we have safer communities and fewer people incarcerated.”
Among other things, the legislation uses intensive probation programs and enhanced tracking of convicts. It also aims to expedite medical commutation hearings, allow judges to shorten probation terms as a result of good behavior, and to provide a tax credit for employing a probationer or parolee. The Senate plan was announced Tuesday.
