PRISONERS: PROHIBIT POSSESSION

OF VICTIM'S ITEMS OR IMAGES

Senate Bill 645

Sponsor:  Sen. Roger Kahn, M.D.

House Committee:  Judiciary

Senate Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 11-6-12

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 645 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 12-8-11

The bill would add a new section to the Corrections Code to prohibit a prisoner from possessing either of the following:

o                   Any item belonging, or formerly belonging, to a victim of the crime for which the prisoner is incarcerated.

o                   Any photograph, drawing, or other visual image or representation of a victim of the crime for which the prisoner is incarcerated

The prohibition would not apply to an item, photograph, drawing, or other visual image or representation of an immediate family member of the victim (but not the victim) if the item or photograph, etc. were received and possessed with the permission of that immediate family member and if the department determined that receiving and possessing the item or photo, etc. would not interfere with the prisoners rehabilitation and did not violate any law or departmental rules.

MCL 791.269

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State or on local units of government.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Bob Schneider

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.