CRIME VICTIM NOTIFICATIONS S.B. 1211 (S-1):
FLOOR SUMMARY
Senate Bill 1211 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Crime Victim's Rights Act to include notice of the following in the notice that a sheriff or the Department of Corrections (DOC) must mail to victims of prisoners under the jurisdiction of the sheriff or DOC:
-- That a person accused, convicted, or imprisoned for committing a crime against the victim had absconded while on bail or other release.
-- That the victims had a right to address the parole board and to present exhibits or other photographic or documentary information to the board, including at a commutation hearing.
-- That the prisoner had applied for a reprieve, commutation, or pardon and the parole board had decided to consider the application for merit.
-- That a reprieve, commutation, or pardon had been denied.
-- That a prisoner, including a parolee, had died.
The bill also would require immediate notification of the prosecuting attorney and a victim in the event a person who was detained, under sentence, hospitalized, or admitted to a facility, absconded while on bail or other release. The notice would have to be provided to the victim within 24 hours after the person was reported to have absconded or escaped.
The Act provides that a victim has the right to address or submit a written statement for consideration by a parole board member or a member of any other panel having authority over the prisoner's release on parole. Under the bill, a victim would have this right during the time the prisoner's release on parole or commutation of sentencing was being considered for merit. The bill also specifies that a victim would have the right to present exhibits or other photographic or documentary information to the parole board, including at a commutation hearing.
MCL 780.769 et al. Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
Due to the increased number of events that would require victim notification, the bill could result in increased administrative costs for the Department of Corrections and county sheriff's offices. The magnitude of the increased administrative costs is indeterminate at this time, but is potentially significant. One important factor that would affect cost magnitude is the number of victims who would opt to exercise their right to notification.
Date Completed: 9-12-12 Fiscal Analyst: Dan O'Connor
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.