TECHINICAL CORRECTIONS CODE REVISION:

"GED" TO "HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY"

Senate Bill 20 As Enacted

Public Act 14 of 2017

Sponsor:  Sen. Dave Robertson

House Committee:  Michigan Competitiveness

Senate Committee:  Michigan Competitiveness

Complete to 3-6-17

SUMMARY:

Senate Bill 20 would amend the Corrections Code to replace references to a "general education development" certificate with a "high school equivalency" certificate.

The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment. It is part of a larger legislative initiative regarding corrections; other bills in the package are Senate Bills 2-19, 21-24, and 50. A detailed description of the bills follows.

Senate Bill 20 would amend the Corrections Code (MCL 791.233 and 791.234d).  To be eligible for parole, any prisoner with a minimum sentence of at least two years must have either earned a high school diploma or a general education development (GED) certificate.  The DOC must also provide certain documents to a prisoner when that prisoner is released from incarceration. The required documentation includes whether the prisoner obtained a GED or other educational degree while incarcerated.

The bill replaces all references to a "general education development" certificate with the term "high school equivalency" certificate.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Senate Bill 20 would have no fiscal impact on the state or on local units of government.  

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

Patrick Morris

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Robin Risko

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.