By Kathleen Gray
Detroit Free Press
LANSING — A package of bills aimed at approving parole for medically frail inmates introduced in the state House of Representatives was among more than two dozen proposals introduced in the Legislature last week.
Under the medical frailty bill, the Michigan Parole Board could grant parole to an inmate after a thorough examination by the Michigan Department of Corrections Health Services division even before the inmate serves his or her minimum sentence — but only to an appropriate medical facility, nursing home or hospice.
Such inmates would have to stay in that medical facility until their earliest possible release date from incarceration. The bills also would make it a misdemeanor to assist an inmate in leaving such a medical facility before serving at least his or her minimum sentence.
The Michigan Department of Corrections estimates that the bill could affect 60 to 100 inmates, said Holly Kramer, spokeswoman for the department.
Other bills introduced last week include some addressing campaign finance reform: like requiring monthly reports to the Secretary of State and prohibiting candidates from using their campaign funds to pay any late filing fees.