“Raise the Age” Bill Heads to Governor

In a rare show of bipartisanship, the Michigan House and Senate have both overwhelmingly passed legislation that will raise the age at which defendants are treated as juveniles from 16 to 17.

Michigan is one of only four states in the nation which has been lumping 17-year-olds in with adult criminals.

Under the new rules, 17-year-olds would be tried in juvenile court. Exceptions could be made for serious offenses, with court approval.

17-year-olds would also not be assigned to share jail cells with adults.

The law will not apply retroactively to anyone who was charged and convicted as an adult at age 17.

The bill moves on to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is expected to sign it.