Bill Would Require Michigan Inmates Be Paroled After Minimum Sentence

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Cost-conscious Michigan lawmakers are planning to vote on legislation designed to ensure certain prisoners are not locked up beyond their earliest release date.

A bill up for a vote Thursday in the House shifts the parole board's burden so it must have compelling reasons to keep inmates longer. The "presumptive parole" measure applies only to prisoners deemed to have a "high probability" of release, which means they have a low risk of reoffending and pose no high risk to public safety.

There are about 1,900 inmates who currently meet the criteria. But the legislation only applies to future prisoners.

Supporters say the bill would help curtail high corrections spending and give more certainty to inmates who have no idea why they have been denied parole. Law enforcement opposes the measure.

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