Bill > HB5447

This bill modifies Michigan's criminal probation laws to create a new system of "achievement credits" that allow probationers to reduce their probation terms by earning credits through positive activities. The bill establishes that probationers can earn 60 days of credit for obtaining academic credentials like high school diplomas or vocational certificates, and 15 days per month for being employed, in vocational training, or in educational programming. Probation officers must calculate these credits at quarter, half, three-quarter, and full probation term intervals, and can recommend up to an additional 60 days of credits for meritorious conduct. The bill maintains existing probation length limits (2 years for misdemeanors, 3 years for felonies) but provides more opportunities for early discharge, particularly for probationers who demonstrate rehabilitation efforts. Certain serious offenses, including domestic violence, sexual crimes, and human trafficking, are exempted from these new credit provisions. The bill also clarifies that inability to pay fines or fees should not disqualify a probationer from early discharge, provided they make good-faith payment efforts. The achievement credit system aims to incentivize positive behavior and support probationers' rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-5447