Parole Policy Targeted in Bill

Prison reform advocates hope lawmakers in Lansing will soon consider bills that would have low risk inmates paroled after serving their minimum sentence.

The legislation is known as “presumptive parole,” and it’s supported by many of those who say the state’s prison budget has gotten out of control.

The move, many years ago, to get tough on crime has resulted in too many low risk inmates who are in the prison setting for too long, according to Barb Levine of the Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending.

They’d like to see low risk inmates paroled after serving their minimum sentence instead of being required to stay years beyond that.

Levine adds that some inmates who judges thought would be out in 12 years instead have served 20 years or more.

The legislation is pending before the Michigan House.