Bill > SB0089

This bill amends Michigan's first-degree murder statute to create a new pathway for parole eligibility for individuals convicted of first-degree murder under a felony-murder theory before November 4, 1980, who are currently serving life sentences. Specifically, the bill adds a new subsection that allows these individuals to be eligible for parole under the state's corrections code, providing an opportunity for potential release that was not previously available. The bill maintains the existing definitions of first-degree murder, which include murders committed through poison, lying in wait, premeditation, or during the commission of certain felonies like arson, sexual assault, or kidnapping. The legislation also makes some minor grammatical changes, such as replacing gendered language like "his or her" with more neutral terms like "the officer's" or "the convicted person." Notably, the bill is tied to another piece of legislation (Senate Bill 90) and will only take effect if that companion bill is also enacted into law, creating a legislative dependency to implement these sentencing reforms.

Justice

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0089