This week has been a small victory for criminal legal reform.  The bills HB 4160-64 (abolishing juvenile life without parole) and HB 4556-60 (Second Look Resentencing) passed out of the House Criminal Justice Committee with substitution amendments.

These bills represent a monumental step toward creating a fairer system that values growth, redemption, and second chances. Advocates, including formerly incarcerated individuals, shared powerful testimonies that moved the needle toward justice.

Additional bills are also being considered, including proposals to limit the use of no-knock warrants, establish a “duty to intervene” when law enforcement officers see excessive force being used, providing law enforcement with de-escalation training, and more.

This progress is a victory—but it’s not the end. These bills will next move to the House floor before they will become law. Please contact your representatives and let them know how important it is to pass criminal legal reform legislation.

Thanks to our partner MI-CEMI for keeping a close eye on this legislation!