The legislation would set the new maximum sentence for anyone 18 and under at 60 years with the chance for parole after 10 years.
Jason Smith is the executive director of the Michigan Center for Youth Justice. He says the state should focus more on rehabilitation than imprisonment for young people.
“It’s about giving young people the opportunity to make amends and be held accountable for their actions. But have the opportunity to one day be able to continue living in their community and contributing as community members.”
Handing out life sentences to 18-year-olds is already banned in Michigan under a state Supreme Court ruling from last year.
