REQUIRE THAT ID-RELATED INFORMATION

BE PROVIDED TO OFFENDERS AT SENTENCING

House Bill 5568

Sponsor:  Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker

Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 2-6-08

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5568 AS INTRODUCED 12-13-07

The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 771.14) to require additional information to be included in a presentence investigation report and to require certain information to be provided to a person committed to a state correctional facility about the value of obtaining a driver's license and state identification card upon release.

Generally speaking, before a court imposes a sentence, a probation officer must make inquiries as to the person's character and circumstances and prepare a written report for the court.  This presentence investigation report must include certain information, such as an evaluation of and a prognosis for the person's adjustment in the community based on factual information in the report.

The bill would require the presentence report to also include a statement as to whether the person had provided identification documents necessary for obtaining a driver's license or state ID card (as described in a related bill, House Bill 4527). These documents include a certified birth certificate, marriage license or divorce decree, a photo U.S. military identification card, and school records.

The bill would also require that a person being committed to a state correctional facility be provided a written form explaining the importance of obtaining a driver's license or state personal identification card upon release.  The form would also have to list the personal identification documents needed to obtain a driver's license or state ID card. 

The form would also contain a request that the person obtain and provide those documents to the Department of Corrections and would state that the DOC must retain the documents in the person's file until release.  Any identification documents previously provided by the person would have to accompany the commitment papers.

FISCAL IMPACT:

A fiscal analysis is in process.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Marilyn Peterson

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.