LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A package of bills are advancing in Lansing that would deeply impact Michigan’s criminal justice system if passed.

On Tuesday, the House Criminal Justice Committee voted to approve Juvenile Life Without Parole legislation and Second Look legislation. While it may sound positive on the surface, a deeper dive shows the bills allow resentencing for violent criminals after they’ve served 10 years. In addition, judges could not issue life sentences for juvenile offenders. and their sentences would be reconsidered after 10 years.

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State Rep. Graham Filler (R-St. Johns) is staunchly against the legislation. “These bills open the door for violent criminals, including rapists and murderers, to walk free after serving only a fraction of their sentences.”

 

However, whether Michigan Democrats are able to advance the legislation before their majority ends on Dec, 31 remains to be seen. Sources in Lansing tell Michigan News Source that the Democrats are down one vote and may have a tough time passing much of anything.