The following policy updates including legislation being considered during the 96th Legislative Session, governmental taskforces and recently enacted laws. For more information, visit www.legislature.mi.gov or scroll down to read MCCD's positions.
Current Legislation 2012
Juvenile Competency to Proceed in Delinquency Hearings
Senate Bills 246, 247; House Bills 4555, 4556 - Defines and creates guidelines to evaluate and address juvenile competency to proceed in delinquency hearings.
Juvenile Life without Parole Sentencing
(Legislation pending) - Prohibits juveniles under the age of 18 for being sentenced to life without the possibility of parole and revises parole eligibility for juveniles sentenced as adults.
"Ban the Box"
(Legislation pending) - Removes a box on job applications asking about prior felony convictions.
Governmental Taskforces
Michigan Indigent Defense Advisory Commission
On October 13, 2011, Governor Rick Snyder issued an executive order to establish the Michigan Indigent Defense Advisory Commission. The Commission is charged with investigating how to improve legal representation for defendants who cannot afford an attorney as well as develop recommendations about how to ensure public defense is consistent across the state.
Laws Enacted in 2011
Sex Offender Registry Reform
Public Act 17-19 (2011) - Revises Michigan’s Sex Offender Registration Act to comply with the requirements of the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
Matt's Safe School Law
PA 241 (2011), Introduced as HB 4163 of 2011 - On December 6, 2011, Governor Snyder signed Matt’s Safe School Law, requiring all school districts in Michigan to implement anti-bullying policies.
Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Act
Public Acts 225 through 230 (2011) - Effective November 22, 2011, the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Act extends foster care services to children who are “at least 18 years of age but less than 21 years of age.”
DNA Samples
Public Act 127 (2011), introduced as SB 346 - Requires all current prison inmates to provide a DNA sample by January 1, 2012. All new inmates must provide a sample within 90 days of entering prison.