Lansing Sun

State Rep. Graham Filler has raised concerns about a legislative proposal that could lead to the early release of violent criminals in Michigan. The plan, known as “Second Look,” aims to allow murderers, rapists, and other violent offenders to seek shorter prison sentences and potential parole after serving only 10 years.

Filler, who serves as the minority vice chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee, strongly opposes this initiative. He emphasized the potential negative impact on communities and crime victims, stating, “The last thing we need is a new plan to make our communities less safe and force crime victims to relive their most traumatic experiences.”

Expressing his skepticism about the intended beneficiaries of the legislation, Filler remarked, “The focus of these bills is clearly to improve the lives of Michigan’s worst criminals, not to make our state safer.” He further questioned the priorities behind the proposal, pondering, “Sometimes I have to wonder who we’re trying to serve at the state Capitol.”

The package of bills being debated, House Bills 4556-4560, could potentially affect a significant portion of Michigan’s prison population, including individuals serving life sentences without the possibility of parole. Filler criticized the shift in focus from upholding sentencing laws aimed at keeping dangerous criminals incarcerated for appropriate durations to a system that appears to prioritize offenders over public safety.

While the legislation did not receive a committee vote during the recent session, it remains a topic for future deliberations. The possibility of these bills advancing to a vote as early as April 23 looms, stirring ongoing debate and concerns within the Michigan legislative landscape.