May 23rd Update: PA 312 for Corrections Passes the Michigan House of Representatives!
Today, May 23, 2023, House Bill 4438 and 4439 were passed by the Michigan House of Representatives which restores PA 312 rights for county corrections officers. The primary bill, sponsored by Rep. Kelly Breen, passed 88-18.
Every member present from the House Democrat Caucus voted in support of this legislation. POAM would like to thank Speaker Joe Tate, Representative Kelly Breen, and Representative Bob Bezotte for championing this legislation and passing it by the Michigan House of Representatives.
All 18 no votes were members of the House Republican caucus. Those legislators voting no included:
- Rep. Gregory Alexander
- Rep. Andrew Beeler
- Rep. Matthew Bierlein
- Rep. Ann Bollin
- Rep. Steve Carra
- Rep. Cam Cavitt
- Rep. Nancy DeBoer
- Rep. Jay DeBoyer
- Rep. James DeSana
- Rep. Neil Friske
- Rep. Jamie Greene
- Rep. Matt Maddock
- Rep. Luke Meerman
- Rep. Brian Posthumus
- Rep. Angela Rigas
- Rep. Josh Schriver
- Rep. Bradly Slagh
- Rep. Rachelle Smit
This legislation now heads to the Michigan Senate for further consideration. POAM will work aggressively to see this legislation passed and signed into law.
May 18th News Release: 312 for corrections voted out of committee
POAM is pleased to announce that the “312 for corrections” legislation (House Bills 4438 & 4439) was voted out of committee yesterday 13-0. POAM wishes to thank the bill sponsors, State Representatives Kelly Breen and Bob Biezotte, for their hard work and dedication. We wish to thank Committee Chairwoman Hope, Majority Vice Chair Andrews, Minority Vice Chair Filler, and our former law enforcement colleagues Carter, Mueller, Biezotte Harris, and BeGole. MLC’s lobbyist for POAM indicates that he hopes to have a floor vote later this week or the next.
April 24th News Release: Michigan Representatives seek to add County Corrections to the Public Act 312
POAM has been working with State Representative Kelly Breen (D-Novi) and State Representative Bob Bezotte (R-Howell) to introduce legislation adding county correction officers to Public Act 312. Last week, Rep. Breen and Rep. Bezotte introduced House Bills 4438 and 4439, which makes this important change. The bills were introduced with strong bipartisan support from Michigan’s Representatives, including over 35 cosponsors.
The bills are now before the House Criminal Justice Committee chaired by Representative Kara Hope. POAM will be working with Chairwoman Hope and the House Criminal Justice Committee members to get quick action on this important legislation.
We will continue to advocate for this legislation until it passes the legislature and is signed by the Governor.
Kenneth E. Grabowski
Legislative Director
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