Lansing Update: May 2, 2014

1. Legislation to Help Parolees Find Work Passes House
2. Paternity and Child Support Legislation Considered in House Committee
3. Testimony Taken on E-Cigarette Legislation in House Committee Prohibiting Sales to Minors

Legislation to Help Parolees Find Work Passes House

The Michigan House of Representatives approved House Bills 5216-5218 this week, sponsored by Klint Kesto (R-Commerce Township), John Walsh (R-Livonia), and Harvey Santana (D-Detroit). The measures allow the Department of Corrections to award a “certificate of employability” to suitable parolees as evidence of their readiness to be hired. The certificate would be awarded after consideration of several factors, including the criminal history of the prisoner, job skills of the applicant, and his or her institutional history, such as record of misconduct and completion of counseling or a GED. MCC supports these measures, as many factors play a role in successful reintegration into society, especially the attainment of employment. These measures will now be sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration. To learn more about MCC’s restorative justice policy concerns, visit the advocacy issues page.

Paternity and Child Support Legislation Considered in House Committee

On Wednesday, April 30, the House Committee on Families, Children, and Seniors began hearing testimony on House Bills 5463-5471. This package of bills expedites the process of determining paternity through genetic testing and removes unnecessary court bureaucracy, as most cases are uncontested. Instead of requiring prosecutors to bring cases to court to establish paternity and child support, these measures will notify all involved parties and give them the opportunity to object and request a hearing only if they need one, saving court resources. Additionally, the legislative package allows counties to consolidate child support services, making the process easier for parents. The legislation was developed through a workgroup over the course of several years and is supported by Michigan Catholic Conference. Staff will continue to keep members updated on these common sense reforms.

Testimony Taken on E-Cigarette Legislation in House Committee Prohibiting Sales to Minors

House Bill 5393, a bill prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors, received consideration in the House Regulatory Reform Committee this week. This legislation, sponsored by Representative Gail Haines (R-Waterford Township), would define e-cigarettes as “tobacco products” to regulate them under existing laws. While this legislation is unlikely to be voted on in the near future, Michigan Catholic Conference indicated its support for the measure and will keep members apprised of future updates.

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