PRISONERS' HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY                                                           S.B. 20:

                                                                                  SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL

                                                                                                         IN COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 20 (as introduced 1-18-17)

Sponsor:  Senator Dave Robertson

Committee:  Michigan Competitiveness

Date Completed:  1-25-17

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Corrections Code to refer to a high school equivalency certificate, rather than a general education development (GED) certificate, in provisions dealing with parole requirements.

Under the Code, the grant of parole is subject to certain conditions. These include the condition that a prisoner whose minimum term of imprisonment is two years or more may not be released on parole unless he or she has earned either a high school diploma or its equivalent in the form of a GED certificate. The Department of Corrections may waive the requirement as to any prisoner who has a learning disability, who does not have the necessary proficiency in English, or who for some other reason that is not the prisoner's fault is unable to successfully complete the requirements for a diploma or GED certificate.

When a prisoner is released, the Department must issue to the prisoner documents regarding certain information, including the prisoner's institutional history. The institutional history information includes whether the prisoner obtained a GED certificate or other educational degree.

The requirement to earn a high school diploma or GED certificate as a condition of parole applies only to prisoners sentenced for crimes committed after December 15, 1998. In providing an educational program leading to a high school diploma or GED certificate, the Department must give priority to prisoners sentenced for crimes committed on or before that date.

The bill would refer to a high school equivalency certificate, rather than a GED certificate, in all of those provisions.

The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.

MCL 791.233 & 791.234d                                             Legislative Analyst:  Suzanne Lowe

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

                                                                                       Fiscal Analyst:  Ryan Bergan

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.