“Good time” credits allow incarcerated people to earn credits toward early release through good behavior and academic and professional achievement.
Michigan had a “good time” system up until 1978, when it was abolished by a ballot initiative. Because ballot initiatives amend the state Constitution, they are very difficult to rewrite or repeal, requiring a 3/4 vote in both the House and Senate. Attempts to reinstate the “good time” system have never made it very far.
A similar but different system, which created “disciplinary credits”, was introduced in 1982. However, this system was eliminated in by Truth-in-Sentencing laws (TIS) passed in 1998. TIS requires all incarcerated people to serve their full minimum sentences in a correctional facility. In addition, it created the “disciplinary time” system, which adds time to minimum sentences for misconduct citations received while in prison.
We need to reinstate all credits for good behavior, as well as create new credit systems that incentivize education and rehabilitation, and ask the community to throw support behind Senate Bills 1240-43, as well as the Michigan Prisoner Rehabilitation Credit Act (MPRCA).
In support of SB 1240-43, our friends at Women’s Huron Valley CF have sent us this sample script below to send to our state Senators. You can find your state Senator here.
Dear Senator ___,
I am reaching out to you today as one of your constituents with an interest in criminal justice reform. I have become aware that Senator Jeff Irwin has released a package of four bills: SB1240, SB1241, SB1242, SB1243. These four bills relate to Criminal Justice Reform including restoring Good Time Credits and would help bring incarcerated citizens one step closer to coming home sooner.
I recognize that the length of a prison sentence does not determine successful outcomes, only what one does with their time behind bars will make a difference toward a more successful return to society. I applaud Senator Irwin for taking this step and seeking to better our criminal justice system. If you agree with the content of these bills I ask for your support on these bills and to request a hearing of these bills by the committee.
Thank you for your consideration,
Your Name
The MPRCA is a ballot initiative bill that did not get on the ballot in 2020 due to the pandemic and various technicalities. Petitioning will begin again in 2022, and organizers are already calling for volunteers. The MPRCA would repeal TIS, bring back “good time” credits on a retroactive basis, and allocate additional credits for prisoners who are enrolled in educational, vocational, or training programs. Info on how to get involved and support can be found on their website.