From Bridge Michigan:
LANSING — Michigan lawmakers are contemplating big changes to how courts handle bail during pretrial proceedings and a possible “second look” at prisoners’ existing sentences.
The Democratic proposals are among several major criminal justice reforms pending in the Michigan Legislature — but with just weeks left in the session, it’s unclear whether they’ll reach Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk.
Lawmakers this week heard testimony on bills aimed at reducing local courts’ reliance on cash bail for low-level, nonviolent crimes and setting statewide standards for the process, a change long sought by reform advocates.