LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 1, 2021) — Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) today introduced legislation to require the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) to provide reentry services to wrongfully convicted individuals until they receive a settlement from the wrongfully convicted fund.
Those who were wrongfully convicted face many issues when they are released from prison, including access to health care, finding a job, and securing housing. Currently, MDOC provides these services to those wrongfully convicted for one year following their release. However, compensation for the period of imprisonment sometimes does not come until many years later — Senate Bill 622 helps remedy that situation.
“Establishing a fund to compensate wrongfully convicted people was a wonderful first step, but unfortunately, these folks have a long way to go to be able to reintegrate into society,” Sen. Santana said. “The journey back to a ‘normal’ life requires more than just compensation, though, especially since that compensation is not always relief. My legislation helps ensure these folks will not be let down again by the system that failed them the first time. We have a responsibility to the wrongfully convicted to help them get back on their feet.”
Participation by the wrongfully convicted would not be required under the legislation, but rather it would offer them access to such services in the hope of improving their chance of success. The assistance provided by Senate Bill 622 would end once a settlement is made with the individual who was wrongfully convicted or, if the conviction is reinstated, MDOC may charge the individual for services rendered.
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