Lansing Sun

State Representative Graham Filler has expressed his disapproval following the House Criminal Justice Committee's decision to approve two legislative packages. The Juvenile Life Without Parole legislation, consisting of House Bills 4160-64, and the Second Look legislation, made up of House Bills 4556-4560, were passed by the committee.

Filler criticized the process, stating: “Democrats on the House Criminal Justice Committee betrayed the trust of Michigan families today by ramming through two dangerous bill packages without transparency or accountability. These bills open the door for violent criminals, including rapists and murderers, to walk free after serving only a fraction of their sentences.”

The Juvenile Life Without Parole package aims to allow early parole for individuals who committed murder as juveniles. Filler argues that this undermines justice for victims' families. He stated: “This is not justice for the families who have lost loved ones to unthinkable acts of violence.”

Additionally, Filler voiced concerns about the Second Look package which permits resentencing for violent offenders with long-term sentences. According to him: “This plan prioritizes leniency for criminals over the safety of our communities.”

He further criticized how these legislative changes were handled: “This isn’t criminal justice reform — it’s insanity. And how did the Democrats push this through? By hiding it. These bills weren’t on the agenda, and sweeping changes were made at the eleventh hour, in the dark, without public input.” Filler believes this approach denied public participation in discussions affecting community safety.