The Michigan Sentencing Commission will see some big changes in April 2025.
Michigan House Bill 4173, Public Act No. 273, has made an important amendment to Michigan’s Code of Criminal Procedure, 1927 PA 175.
It outlines the composition for the Sentencing Commission, requiring the commission be made up of the following:
- A Chairperson appointed by the Governor
- Two individuals from the Senate, one from each caucus
- The Attorney General or a designee
- A Circuit Court judge living in a county of less than 800,000 people
- A Circuit Court judge living in a county of more than 800,000 people
- An individual representing law enforcement
- An individual representing prosecuting attorneys
- A member of a nonprofit representing victims and victim service providers
- A previously incarcerated person
- A mental or behavioral health professional
- The Director of the Department of corrections or a designee.
The Sentencing Commission is the group that helps develop Michigan’s Sentencing guidelines.
I think this is an amazing first step toward focusing on sentencing holistically, and ensures that the Sentencing Commission brings all stakeholders to the table. It also provides ample room to incorporate evidence-based decisions.
My hope is that this meaningfully addresses Michigan’s mass incarceration problem.
The change goes into effect April 2, 2025.
