House approves 'gutted' criminal sentencing bills

LANSING (AP) - The state House has approved legislation to ease potentially Michigan's parole and probation policies to save money, but the bill's sponsor says some of the bills were "gutted" because of concerns from law enforcement. The measures passed last Thursday night next go to the Senate for its consideration in the final two weeks of voting this year. One less controversial bill would create a commission to analyze the impact of Michigan's sentencing guidelines on jails, prisons and courts. Republican Rep. Joe Haveman of Holland says he's disappointed talks broke down over concerns that costs to operate jails would rise. He wants to impose small stays in jail for probation and parole violators as opposed to putting them in prison. He's hoping to regroup in talks with Senate negotiators. Published: Mon, Dec 08, 2014