Citizens for Prison Reform (CPR) is asking Michigan residents to contact Governor Gretchen Whitmer about two bills that would strengthen oversight of Michigan’s prison system.

House Bills 5920 y 5921 would expand the authority of Michigan’s Legislative Corrections Ombudsman, an office responsible for investigating complaints and monitoring conditions within the Michigan Department of Corrections.

The proposed changes would:

• Expand the ways people can submit complaints about prison conditions.
• Strengthen the Ombudsman’s ability to investigate concerns and work with outside experts.
• Increase transparency through public reporting.
• Strengthen protections for people who report problems within the prison system.

Both bills passed the Michigan House on August 25 and were referred to the Senate Oversight Committee on September 9. They have not yet become law.

What Citizens for Prison Reform Is Asking

Citizens for Prison Reform has launched a letter campaign asking Governor Whitmer to publicly support HB 5920 and HB 5921 and work with lawmakers to advance the legislation.

The organization is encouraging Michigan residents to share their experiences and concerns about prison oversight, accountability, and the treatment of incarcerated people.

The campaign provides an online form that allows Michigan residents to send a letter to the governor in approximately two minutes.

With additional Senate session days approaching, CPR is asking people to share the campaign and make sure the governor hears from Michigan residents.

Read Citizens for Prison Reform’s letter campaign and contact Governor Whitmer

You can also share the campaign with family, friends, and community members who want to learn more about the proposed changes.

Aprender más acerca de Ciudadanos por la Reforma Penitenciaria and its work with families impacted by incarceration.