MI-CEMI put together a list to track progress on their core legislation list core legislation. This invaluable resource will help all VAAC member organization follow these important bills through the legislative process so that we can take action in timely and effective manner. Bill text is available through the tracker link. 

Want to better understand the legislative process? Check out these resources 

• Michigan League for Public Policy Advocacy Guide
• The Michigan Citizen’s Guide describes how a bill becomes a law on page 60 and explains committee roles and processes from Pg. 62-72
• The Michigan League for Public Policy has a Facebook video on how to use the Michigan Legislature’s website 

Key Updates:

• Memorial Day/Mackinac Conference break: Between the holiday week and the Mackinac policy conference, the legislature was only in session 1 day last week. 
• Productivity Credits: The Productivity Credits bill package (HB4450, HB4451, HB4452, HB4453) is had hearings in House Criminal Justice Committee on 5/23/23. This package is supported by the Alliance for Safety and Justice. While the hearing was overall supportive of the bills and the package is supported by both conservative and liberal organizations, the bills did face significant opposition. No vote was held. Media coverage:
  • Bills giving inmates path to earlier prison release spark heated debate in Lansing (Detroit News)
  • Bills would shave time off prison sentences for participating in educational, vocational programs (Michigan Advance)
  • Law enforcement against bill aiming to reduce repeat offenses in Michigan (WLNS)
• Juvenile Justice Bills: A large bill package in response to the Juvenile Justice Task Force recommendations was introduced on 5/24. Read the Michigan Center for Youth Justice analysis of the Debt Free Justice legislation and the other bills in the package they are promoting. 
• Bail reform: an 8-bill package on bail reform was quietly introduced on 5/25 with bipartisan support.