Parole boards will have the option to delay someone’s hearing for longer than two years under a new law signed today.
In 2018…state lawmakers changed the policy to give prisoners with a high chance of getting parole an annual hearing. Those with a low probability went before the board at least every two years.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer says the new law would allow a board to delay that hearing for up to five years through a written waiver.
“This would ensure that survivors of horrific crimes don’t have to relive traumatizing experiences every single year.”
Supporters say it’s too hard for violent crime survivors to frequently recount their stories before a parole board to keep their aggressor behind bars.
The new law takes effect immediately.