Requires award of Edna Mahan trauma credits to inmates incarcerated during period of investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by correctional police officers and staff.
Impact
The bill's introduction comes in light of an investigation initiated by the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) beginning April 26, 2018, which revealed serious violations of inmate rights under the Eighth Amendment. This included incidents of sexual abuse by facility staff that contributed to a hostile and abusive environment for the inmates. The trauma credits are seen as a corrective measure to recognize the impact of this environment on inmates' rights and to provide them with a form of restitution.
Summary
Senate Bill S2888 focuses on the awarding of Edna Mahan trauma credits to inmates at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women who were incarcerated during the time of investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by correctional officers. The bill outlines that these trauma credits will provide additional remission from both the maximum and minimum terms of the inmates' sentences, at a rate of 183 days for each year, or a portion thereof, served during the period of investigation. However, the bill caps the total credits that can be awarded at 365 days per inmate.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding S2888 may involve discussions on the adequacy of the credits as a remedy for the abuses suffered by the inmates. Critics might argue whether the proposed 183 days per year is sufficient given the severity of documented abuses. Further, some stakeholders may raise questions about the effectiveness of such credits in deterring future abuses within correctional facilities. Additionally, discussions may include the implications of this bill on existing parole processes and whether it effectively addresses the wider culture of oversight and accountability within the correctional environment.
Carry Over
Requires award of Edna Mahan trauma credits to inmates incarcerated during period of investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by correctional police officers and staff.
Carry Over
Requires award of Edna Mahan trauma credits to inmates incarcerated during period of investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by correctional police officers and staff.
Relating to advisory bodies for the Department of Family and Protective Services, including the creation of the child protective investigations advisory committee and the abolition of the Family and Protective Services Council.
Health: other; individualized investigational treatment for certain patients suffering from a life-threatening or severely debilitating illness; provide for. Amends title & secs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 of 2014 PA 345 (MCL 333.26451 et seq.) & adds sec. 2a.