Category: Criminal Justice Reform

Last Friday, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson made a powerful public statement on the recently introduced Michigan Election Security Act—a proposal that could significantly impact voter access across the state. Her message was clear: legislation marketed as “security” must not be allowed to become a weapon for disenfranchisement. At Voting Access for All Coalition…

Hundreds of thousands of people have suspended licenses in Michigan Press Release LANSING — A few simple policy changes could enable thousands of Michiganders to safely restore suspended drivers’ licenses, according to a new report released by the Lansing-based nonprofit Safe & Just Michigan. Having a driver’s license is often essential to getting to work,…

From federal legislation to Michigan ballot proposals, voter access is under threat — and VAAC is paying attention. At Voting Access for All Coalition (VAAC), we know that barriers to the ballot don’t just appear — they’re built. Across the country, legislation disguised as “safety” measures is threatening to make it harder for millions of…

Safe & Just Michigan’s report, “Driving on a Suspended Livelihood: An analysis of Michigan’s license restoration process,” looks at the hurdles between a suspended license and restoration and offers suggestions to make the process easier. Download>> Driving on a Suspended Livelihood The post Driving on a Suspended Livelihood: An analysis of Michigan’s license restoration process…

Event Advisory KALAMAZOO — People who struggle to find a good job or safe and affordable place to live because old items on their criminal record hold them back can get a chance at a fresh start at an expungement fair being held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Fetzer…

Event Advisory Lansing — People who struggle to find a good job or safe and affordable place to live because old items on their criminal record hold them back can get a chance at a fresh start at an expungement fair being presented by Ascend Wellness’ the CO-LAB for Social Equity from noon to 4…

Across the country, dangerous “show me your papers” legislation like the House’s recently passed, deceptively named Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act is on the rise. These proof of citizenship laws capitalize on anti-immigrant sentiment and perpetuate outright lies to justify restrictive practices that will make it harder for everyone to vote. If it becomes…

Earlier this month, the Michigan Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in People v. Czarnecki and People v. Taylor, holding that mandatory life without parole (LWOP) sentences for people who were 19 or 20 at the time of the offense are unconstitutional—and that this decision applies retroactively. Combined with the People v. Poole ruling (affirming resentencing rights for 18-year-olds sentenced…

Safe & Just Michigan sends this quarterly newsletter to over 600 incarcerated readers at the Michigan Department of Corrections. The newsletter reports on policy updates, outreach and educational activities. Download>> Spring 2025 Hard Copy Newsletter Please subscribe to our mailing list to receive the SJM e-newsletter on the latest legislative actions. Note: Due to a Michigan Department of…

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