LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Republicans are pushing back on the Democratic majority’s lame duck attempts to pass legislation they say would drastically alter the state’s bail system and introduce a “dangerous shift” in public safety.
What are the bills?
House Bills 4655, 4656 and 4658-4661 are currently in committee; the bills would require judges to release certain offenders without bail regardless of the circumstances surrounding their arrest.
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State Rep. Graham Filler (R-Duplain Township) serves as vice chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee. He expressed serious concerns about the bills, including judicial discretion regarding the risks associated with each defendant and if they should be released back into the community.
“This represents a dangerous shift in how we handle public safety,” Filler said. “The people of Michigan deserve a criminal justice system that prioritizes their safety. These bills would force judges to let certain offenders walk free without bail, even if they pose a clear threat to public safety.”
Has this been proposed in other states?
Filler pointed to troubling outcomes in other states, such as New York and California, where similar bail reforms have led to an increase in repeat offenders. In New York City, nearly 50% of felony offenders released without bail were rearrested while awaiting trial.
“When repeat offenders are given a free pass, it’s no surprise that crime rates go up,” Filler said. “These policies are tied to a surge in violent crime in states where they’ve been adopted.”
The impact on crime in Michigan.
State Rep. Mike Harris (R-Waterford) works with Rep. Filler on the House Criminal Justice Committee and is a retired police sergeant. Harris has similar concerns, saying the legislation would release more accused criminals back onto the streets without paying bail.
“Bail is a powerful financial incentive for good behavior,” Rep. Harris said. “It encourages defendants to follow the law in our communities and then show up in court. This legislation would tie the hands of judges and release more criminals into our communities without the necessary guardrails to keep our communities safe.”
In addition, Filler pointed out the impact the bills could have on Michigan communities, particularly in areas like Oakland County where transnational gangs are targeting high-end neighborhoods and breaking into homes.
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