Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) along with Senators Polehanki, Wojno, Chang, Santana and Geiss on behalf of Michigan Justice Advocacy (MJA), have introduced SB649 to bring a Good Time credit system back to the Michigan Department of Corrections. As a state Michigan currently spends over $2.3 billion of taxpayer funds on corrections each year, and it is currently one of only six states that does not offer any form of Good Time credit.
The proposed bill would create an incentive for incarcerated individuals to earn time off of their sentence in the form of thirty days of credit for thirty days of good behavior. These credits would provide critical relief to Michigan’s overcrowded prisons, creating a safer environment both for corrections officers and those who are incarcerated. This bill would apply to any incarcerated person who has a length of time associated with their sentence and does not apply to those who are serving a life sentence. While the bill offers the opportunity for early release through Good Time, each incarcerated person would still sit before a parole board to determine a release date; they are not automatically released.
With the current shortage of corrections officers, growing cost of incarceration and numerous reentry programs across the state, Michigan has never been more ready to address being #1 in the country for length of time served. Statistics have demonstrated time and time again that positive incentive for behavioral growth reduces the likelihood of recidivism, and MJA’s most ardent hope is that this bill will create a safer society.
MJA strongly believes that victims’ voices are paramount in this discussion. To that end, studies show that the majority of victims of violent crime actually support credit systems that reward good behavior with a reduction in sentence. Additionally, victims would be kept apprised of the incarcerated individual’s accrued Good Time.
MJA is currently spreading the word about Good Time across the state at local events through the fall as we work towards a hearing on SB649 legislation by the Michigan State Senate.
For more information, or if you would like to participate as a volunteer or donate to the cause, visit mijustice.org, or follow MJA on social media @mijusticeadvocacy.
Executive Director – Mariah LeRolland-Wagner mariah@mijustice.org
Campaign Director – Rich Griffin rich@mijustice.org
Good Time in The News
“Good Time Makes Good Sense” initiative could reduce Michigan’s lengthy prison sentences – Public Media Network Jul 21, 2021
“Understanding the Fall of Sentencing Credits in Michigan Prisons” (2021 Research Report) – Sophie Ordway MSW, University of Michigan, Carceral State Project 2021
“More states need to use their “good time” systems to get people out of prison during COVID-19” – Prison Policy Initiative January 12, 2021
“Earned Time Credit” Prison Fellowship
State Good Time and Earned Time Laws – NCSL Jun 11, 2021
I support the bill.