2013 Senate Bill 318

Repeal mandatory life sentences for minors

Introduced in the Senate

April 16, 2013

Introduced by Sen. Rick Jones (R-24)

To repeal Michigan’s mandatory life sentence with no chance of parole for certain very serious crimes committed by minors, and replace it with a system in which prosecutors could request a genuine lifetime sentence where the offense was aggravated by certain specific factors (Senate Bill 319 contains the details).

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Sept. 19, 2013

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Oct. 23, 2013

Amendment offered

To adopt a substitute that specifies a new sentencing regime; see Senate-passed bill.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Oct. 24, 2013

Passed in the Senate 36 to 0 (details)

To repeal Michigan’s mandatory life sentence with no chance of parole for certain very serious crimes committed by minors, and replace it with a system in which prosecutors could request a genuine lifetime sentence. If this request was not made or denied, a judge would have to impose a minimum sentence of between 25 and 40 years, and a maximum of at least 60 years. These provisions would only apply prospectively, to cases still open as of the U.S. Supreme Court's Miller v Alabama decision in June, 2012.

Received in the House

Oct. 29, 2013

Referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice

Dec. 4, 2013

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Feb. 11, 2014

Referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice