Legislation We Support

A number of bills and proposals designed to improve Michigan’s mass incarceration problem have stalled in the 2024 legislature. Our coalition urges lawmakers to move these bills forward so that Michigan doesn’t continue to fall behind other states in the fight against mass incarceration and remain burdened by its unsustainable cost.

The Work

  • Eliminate Fines and Fees
  • Childcare Fund Act
  • Expanded Diversion
  • Community Violence

Pre-Incarceration

Fund Indigent Defense

Support HB 4630 to expand indegent defense services.

End the Exception of Forced Labor While Incarcerated

Amend the state constitution to prohibit slavery or involuntary servitude, even if someone commits a crime. MI HJRM, MI SJRJ.

… and More

  • Prison Body Cams
  • Pre-Incarceration
  • Cash Bail
  • Mandated Use of Force Policy
  • Ban Chokeholds
  • Limit No-Knock Warrants
  • Sentencing Commission
  • Duty Intervene
  • Danny’s Bill
  • “End REID Interrogation Technique”
  • Re-entry (Work In Progress)

Currently Incarcerated

Good Time

Sign the ballot initiative for prisoners to earn credits for turning their lives around. (Michigan Justice Advocacy)

Second Look

Several bills—HB4556HB4557HB4558HB4559HB4560—give judges the ability to reconsider especially long prison sentences after a length of incarceration.

End Prison Gerrymandering

Count prisoners on district maps at their last address, not where they are incarcerated. SB0494. (VAAC)

… and More

  • Medical Parole
  • End Solitary Confinement
  • Expand MDOC Oversight
  • “Scholarships for Incarcerated Citizens”
  • Ban Juvenile Life Without Parole
  • Duty to Intervene
  • Productivity Credits
  • Eliminate Prison Co-Pays
  • FOIA Access Restoration
  • Reduce Phone Fees
  • Right to Visit

Re-Entry

  • Fair Housing
  • Vital Docs