LANSING, Mich. (March 18, 2025) — Today, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bill 81 with bipartisan support. This legislation, sponsored by Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.), will help provide young people in Michigan’s justice system with access to legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
“No child should face the justice system alone simply because their family can’t afford an attorney,” said Sen. Shink. “Access to legal counsel can be the difference between a second chance and a lifetime of consequences. This legislation closes a critical gap in our legal system and ensures that every child has a fair shot at justice.”
The bill expands the responsibilities of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to include overseeing legal defense for indigent youth, in addition to adults. It also strengthens protections for young defendants by requiring legal counsel before they can waive their right to an attorney and establishing new procedures for determining indigency.
“I applaud the Senate for passing legislation to provide standards for youth defense and appreciate Senator Shink’s leadership to ensure children in the juvenile legal system are given meaningful access to counsel and their constitutional rights are protected,” said Kristen Staley, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Executive Director. “I look forward to continuing to work with the House to implement this important change.”
“With the Senate’s passage of juvenile defense legislation, we move closer to a system that upholds every child’s right to fair representation,” said Jennifer Peacock, Policy Director at the Michigan Center for Youth Justice. “Their rights must be protected in every courtroom across the state.”
Senate Bill 81 now moves to the House for further consideration.