Juveniles: criminal procedure; raise the age fund; eliminate. Repeals sec. 117i of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.117i).
Impact
This bill's passage alters the framework for juvenile criminal cases by rescinding provisions that established separate funding for the 'raise the age' initiative, which was originally intended to provide for the legal and rehabilitation needs of older adolescents charged with crimes. The implications of such changes may lead to a reassessment of how juveniles are processed within the legal system and potentially reduce the fiscal support necessary to fully address the needs of this demographic. This could impact the availability of resources dedicated to care, counseling, and legal assistance for older youths in the juvenile system.
Summary
Senate Bill 0935, enacted in 2024, primarily focuses on the criminal procedure regarding juvenile offenses by eliminating the 'raise the age' fund, thereby repealing section 117i of the social welfare act, 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.117i). This legislative action reflects a shift in the state's approach to juvenile justice and aims to streamline funding mechanisms related to youth offenders. By removing this fund, the state intends to reallocate resources to more effective areas of juvenile rehabilitation and diversion programs, viewing them as more beneficial for community safety and youth development.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 0935 appears mixed among lawmakers and stakeholders. Proponents argue that the elimination of the 'raise the age' fund aligns with a more practical and effective utilization of state funds, suggesting that existing structures can accommodate the needs of youth offenders without this specialized funding. Contrarily, opponents express concern that this decision might undermine developmental protections for older juveniles, potentially resulting in harsher treatment in the criminal justice system. This debate underscores broader issues regarding juvenile sentencing standards and rehabilitation versus punishment.
Contention
A significant point of contention arising from the discussions around SB 0935 involves the potential consequences of removing financial support aimed at improving juvenile justice outcomes. Critics fear that halting this funding may lead to an increase in recidivism among youth offenders due to a lack of access to necessary services. There is also concern that this bill reflects a broader trend toward minimizing protections for vulnerable populations within the justice system. As the bill stands, it emphasizes the state's commitment to reform but raises questions about the adequacy of resources for juvenile rehabilitation programs moving forward.
Juveniles: juvenile justice services; residential reimbursement; allow department to adjust rates and change provider agreements. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 - 400.119b) by adding sec. 117k.
Human services: medical services; workforce engagement requirements for Healthy Michigan plan; repeal. Repeals secs. 107a & 107b of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.107a & 400.107b).
Human services: medical services; general changes to the medical assistance program; provide for. Amends secs. 105b & 109f of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.105b & 400.109f) & repeals secs. 105c & 105f of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.105c & 400.105f).
Human services: children's services; county child care fund reimbursement rate; increase, and provide for performance requirements. Amends sec. 117a of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.117a).
Human services: medical services; reimbursement rate for telehealth visits; require to be the same as reimbursements for office visits. Amends sec. 105h of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.105h).
Children: services; reference to "children's ombudsman" in social welfare act; amend to "child advocate". Amends sec. 115m of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.115m). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4638'23
Human services: medical services; general changes to the medical assistance program; provide for. Amends secs. 105d & 106 of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.105d & 400.106) & repeals secs. 105c & 105f of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.105c & 400.105f).
Establishes deadline for DEP implementation of prescribed burn program, and provides for establishment of prescribed burn acreage goals, schedules, calendars, training program, and mobile deployment units to provide on-site prescribed burn training and assistance.