Snyder signs legislation to create opportunities for previous offenders
A framework to allow individuals with a prior felony conviction to pursue employment at the Michigan Department of Corrections will be created under legislation signed last week by Gov. Rick Snyder. Creating opportunities for previous offenders to have successful reentry into society was one of the key priorities outlined in Gov. Snyder’s 2015 special message on criminal justice.
“Reforming our criminal justice system to better prepare those with a previous felony conviction for the workforce is important to help ensure their successful reentry into society,” Snyder said. “This bill calls for the creation of a framework to connect these individuals with employment and skills that will help them become contributing members of Michigan’s workforce and economy.”
House Bill 4065, sponsored by state Rep. Dave Pagel, directs the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) to develop a policy to outline investigative procedures that must be implemented before hiring an individual with a felony record to ensure offering employment does not impact public safety or the operation of MDOC. The bill also allows MDOC to hire an individual with a felony record. It is now Public Act 191 of 2017.
Snyder also signed two additional bills:
• House Bill 4208, sponsored by state Rep. Aaron Miller, amends Michigan election law to provide that the resignation or removal of a state senator or representative remain effective for the duration of the unexpired legislative term. It is now Public Act 192 of 2017.
• House Bill 4716, sponsored by state Rep. Peter Lucido, provides that if a parent is convicted under state or federal law of knowingly performing female genital mutilation on a child, or knowingly transporting or facilitating the transport of a child for that purpose, then that conviction constitutes grounds for the termination of their parental rights to the child. It is now Public Act 193 of 2017.
NALS of Michigan event set Feb. 10 in Lansing
NALS of Michigan will host a Winter Legal Education and Membership Meeting for legal support staff on Feb. 10 at Foster Swift, 313 South Washington Square, Lansing.
Attorney Ven R. Johnson, who has represented victims against insurance companies, big business and government for 30 years, will speak about personal injury cases. An alumnus of University of Detroit School of Law, Johnson has handled cases in state and federal courts in most Michigan jurisdictions and in courtrooms throughout the United States.
Attorney Michael D. Sanders, a shareholder, president, and chair of the executive committee at Foster Swift, will speak on workers’ compensation.
An alumnus of the University of Illinois College of Law, Sanders devotes his practice to the representation of employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators in workers' compensation matters throughout the state.
The cost for NALS members is $25; non-members, $30; students, $15. There is no cost to attend the membership meeting; however, lunch is not provided.
The registration deadline is Feb. 2; the registration form is at www.nalsofmichigan.org. For more information, email lynn.philp@gmail.com.
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