Michigan House Bill HB4260

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/23
• Refer: 3/9/23

Caption

Crimes: penalties; references to crime of child abuse; modify in the prison code. Amends sec. 34 of 1893 PA 118 (MCL 800.34). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4257'23

Impact

One of the bill's primary impacts is on the parole process, specifically how disciplinary actions against prisoners are recognized and managed. By requiring that disciplinary time is accounted for in parole assessments, the bill aims to provide a structured approach to how misconduct during incarceration affects a prisoner's future. This could lead to a more standardized practice regarding the consequences of inmate behavior, thereby potentially influencing recidivism rates and rehabilitation efforts within the correctional system.

Summary

House Bill 4260 proposes to amend Section 34 of the 1893 PA 118, which consolidates laws regarding state prisons, houses of correction, and reformatories. The bill emphasizes the handling of disciplinary time for prisoners found guilty of major misconduct and outlines how this disciplinary time is considered during parole reviews. It mandates that any accumulated disciplinary time must be presented to the parole board when evaluating a prisoner's eligibility for parole, ensuring that their minimum sentence, with disciplinary time included, does not exceed the maximum sentence given.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 4260 may center around the balance of punishment versus rehabilitation. Critics might argue that strict disciplinary measures could disproportionately affect prisoners who are seeking rehabilitation, particularly those who make genuine efforts to reform their behavior. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the fairness of how different types of misconduct are evaluated and the potential implications for prisoners with mental health issues or those who react adversely to prison conditions. Thus, debates could arise about whether the bill fosters a more equitable correctional system or inadvertently extends punitive measures.