LANSING, Mich. — The Senate Committee on Judiciary on Thursday heard public comments on legislation sponsored by Sen. Kevin Daley to improve safety measures in state prisons.
“My office has heard from folks who work in our prisons throughout our state, and many have stated that officially outlawing these items will make prisons a safer place for corrections officers,” said Daley, R-Lum. “These items are already prohibited under Michigan Department of Corrections rules; my legislation would simply codify these rules in state law.”
Senate Bill 630 would clearly outline prohibited items in statute to provide clear guidelines under the law. The bill would expand the definition of contraband in state prisons to include dangerous tools, electronics, and escape materials, all of which can pose a threat in the hands of prisoners. A violation would be a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of $1,000, or both.
“I also had the pleasure of working with Lapeer County Prosecutor John Miller to ensure the legislation also addresses the concerns and perspectives of law enforcement responsible for enforcing this legislation,” Daley said.
The senator said the goal of this legislation is to make sure everyone stays safe and that our corrections officers get home safely.
“This is a commonsense tool that will help keep dangerous items out of our prisons and allow corrections officers to more effectively do their jobs and make it home to their families at the end of their shifts,” Daley said.
SB 630 will take additional testimony in the coming weeks before heading to the full Senate for further debate.
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Editor’s note: A print-quality version of the above photograph is available by clicking on the image or by visiting the senator’s website at www.SenatorKevinDaley.com. Click on “Photos” under the “In the News” tab.
Photo caption: State Sen. Kevin Daley, R-Lum, listens as Lapeer County Prosecutor John Miller testifies before the Senate Committee on Judiciary Wednesday morning in support of Daley’s legislation to improve safety measures in the state’s prisons.