Nonviolent inmates would be up for release from prison once they’ve served their minimum sentence under legislation passed by the Michigan House.
State Representative Ed McBroom pushed for passage of the bill saying people are overstaying their welcome in the state’s prisons because the parole board is keeping some people in prison too long.
McBroom, and others backing the bill, say keeping inmates in prison until their serve their maximum sentence – regardless of the crime – is costing the state a lot of money.
However State Representative Vanessa Guerra says that’s not a good reason to pass the bill. She says saving money should never trump safety.
The legislation now moves to the Michigan Senate.