House Committee Approves ‘Raise the Age’

Liz Gullett

Nov 30, 2018

This week, the House Law and Justice Committee reported legislation that would treat 17-year-olds as minors for most criminal offenses. Currently, Michigan is one of only five states that automatically consider a 17-year-old to be an adult in criminal offenses. Under the proposal, cases involving individuals under 18 will be transferred to the family division of circuit courts. In cases of violent criminal offenses, the proposal would allow for 17-year-olds to be treated as adults. According to Representative Peter Lucido (R-Shelby Twp.), one of the sponsors of the legislative package, “we have data that concludes the current setup is a hindrance for the rehabilitation and development of these young people within the state prison system. It’s now time to alter that setup so we can decrease recidivism and increase the chances of people being successful once they exit the state prison system.” The bill package has been sent to the House floor for consideration.

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