PRISONERS; VOTING INFORMATION S.B. 835:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 835 (as introduced 4-18-24)
Sponsor: Senator Stephanie Chang
Committee: Elections and Ethics
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Corrections Code to require the Department of Corrections (MDOC) to provide to incarcerated individuals about to be released from prison a written document, prepared by the Secretary of State (SOS), that contained information regarding voting registration and election processes.
Among other things, the Code requires the MDOC to assist incarcerated individuals with reentry into their communities by providing them with certain information and identification documents. Currently, an incarcerated individual s refusal to obtain identification documents must be included as part of the individual s parole eligibility report. The bill would delete this requirement.
Additionally, the bill would require the MDOC to provide to an incarcerated individual, before that individual was released on parole or discharged upon completion of the individual s maximum sentence, a written document that contained all the following information regarding voter registration and election processes:
-- That the Michigan Election Law did not prohibit an individual from voting at an election once that individual was no longer confined.
-- Specific information on how to register to vote and how to vote in person on election day, in person during the early voting period, or by absentee ballot.
-- The regular election dates.
The bill would require the SOS to create a written document that included this information.
PREVIOUS LEGISLATION
(This section does not provide a comprehensive account of previous legislative efforts on this subject matter.)
The bill is similar to House Bill 5537 of the 2021-2022 Legislative Session.
Legislative Analyst: Abby Schneider
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco, Jr.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.