Michigan Legislative Updates

Each week the MACP will provide to it's members, Michigan Legislative Updates*.  The Michigan Legislative Reports contains articles of interest to law enforcement and updates you on the introduction and status of current legislation.  Be sure to check back weekly for the latest legislative information.  You will be able to access back issues up to one month old using this site. 

If you would like to check the current status of any legislation visit the Michigan Legislature website. 

*Gongwer News Service is the source for the information contained in the Michigan Legislative Updates.

·         Secure sufficient funding for MCOLES, CJIS and LEIN to meet statutory mandates.

The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES), Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) are all critical components of an effective and efficient law enforcement community. 

MCOLES is established under Public Act 203 of 1965, as amended.  This legislation mandates the establishment and maintenance of standards governing the employment and training of Michigan’s law enforcement officers.  MCOLES funding has not kept pace with legislative mandated responsibilities. 

The Criminal Justice Information Systems Policy Council (CJIC) oversees operation of the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN).  The cost of LEIN increases every year.  LEIN is in the midst of a major upgrade, some of that upgrade mandated to meet federal obligations, to migrate from a 40 year old platform to a 21^st century enterprise system.  While state revenue sharing to local governments has been reduced, the cost of operating LEIN continues to increase.  Without new funding, evolving CJIS systems, including LEIN, to the next generation is not possible.

·         Preliminary Exam Reform

Michigan is one of few states that still require a preliminary examination determination of probable cause after a District Judge has already judicially determined probable cause while reviewing the Prosecutor’s issuance of a criminal Complaint and Warrant in every felony case.  In Michigan, more than 75% of all preliminary exams are cancelled after victims, witnesses and police officers have been subpoenaed and appear to testify.  The current process exploits victims and wastes millions of taxpayer dollars.  By reforming this process Michigan could reserve the right to a preliminary examination for the most serious offenses, yet end unnecessary exploitation of victims and wasteful government spending. 

·         Police Officer Survivor Benefits

Insufficient revenue presently exists to support extending mandated benefits to surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty. 

·         Maintaining Sufficient Revenue Sharing to Local Governments

Since 9/11, Michigan has lost 1,577 police officers.  For every sworn position lost, it is likely several support positions have also been lost.  While revenue sharing is not the only depleted fund, it is a critical element of local government budgets.  Police, fire and other public safety services typically represent at least 50% of local government general fund budgets.  Continued cuts to revenue sharing will have serious negative effects on Michigan’s citizens. 

·         Assure sufficient funding of Michigan State Police services to local police agencies.

Many Michigan police agencies, sheriffs, prosecutors and courts are dependent on State Police support services, such as forensic crime laboratories, computer crime labs and investigative services, and other important support services.  Continued reductions in those services seriously undermine the efficient and effective administration of justice.  As just one example, the prosecutor has fourteen days from the date of a person’s arrest to conduct a preliminary examination.  Because MSP crime labs are under funded, police and prosecutors may wait months before they have laboratory analysis that may be presented in a hearing.  Thus, many cases are delayed or dismissed.  Delays of this type occur often in drug-related cases, assaultive or other serious crimes.