Bill > SB0603

This bill amends the Michigan Corrections Code to expand the Department of Corrections' responsibilities for prisoner reentry and voting information. The bill requires the department to assist prisoners in obtaining identification documents like driver's licenses, state ID cards, and Social Security cards before their release. Significantly, the bill now mandates that the department provide prisoners with a written document containing comprehensive voter registration and election information, including details about voter eligibility upon release, how to register, voting methods (in-person, early voting, absentee), and regular election dates. The secretary of state is tasked with creating this informational document. The bill also removes a previous provision that allowed a prisoner's refusal to obtain identification documents to be included in their parole eligibility report. Additionally, the bill makes minor technical changes to language, such as replacing gendered terms with gender-neutral language, and ensures that these new requirements apply to prisoners serving sentences after February 23, 2012. The overall goal appears to be facilitating smoother prisoner reentry and ensuring released individuals are informed about their voting rights.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0603