The bill amends the Corrections Code of 1953, specifically section 34, to clarify the eligibility criteria for parole for prisoners sentenced to indeterminate terms. It establishes that prisoners, with the exception of those granted parole under section 35(10) or those subject to disciplinary time, will come under the jurisdiction of the parole board after serving a period equal to their minimum sentence, minus any good time or disciplinary credits. For prisoners serving consecutive sentences, the jurisdiction of the parole board will be based on the total of the minimum terms served. Additionally, the bill outlines specific criteria for prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment regarding their eligibility for parole, which includes serving a designated number of years based on the nature of the crime committed.

The bill also introduces changes to the existing law by replacing gender-specific terms with gender-neutral language and modifying the conditions under which parole may be granted. It establishes a framework for public hearings and incorporates the input of prosecutors and victims in the parole decision-making process. Furthermore, the bill outlines the appeal process for sentencing decisions, allowing appeals from the department, prosecuting attorney, or victims and their immediate families in homicide cases. It defines key terms relevant to the legislation, such as "medically frail" and "serious crime," and clarifies that a "serious crime" includes specific violations of the public health code and various offenses against persons as defined in the Michigan penal code, emphasizing the severity of offenses punishable by imprisonment for more than four years.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 791.234