:: our work ::
Past Successes
Legislative Wins
SJM was launched in 2018 after the growth and hard work of the Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending (CAPPS). CAPPS was founded in 2000 by concerned state residents to identify and change laws that increased Michigan’s prison population. For over 20 years, CAPPS, and now SJM, pursued reform strategies built on evidence-based practice for public safety and Michigan’s over-reliance on incarceration. Our advocacy won significant parole reform and passed the Clean Slate Act and other reforms from the tough-on-crime era in Michigan.
:: Looking Back ::
December
2024
SENTENCING COMMISSION
SJM passed a law to create a Sentencing Commission tasked with making sentences more consistent across the state.
FINES AND FEES
July
2024
July
2024
MEDICALLY FRAIL
SJM passed a law that fixed an existing but ineffective Medically Frail Parole law; since 2019, just one person qualified for parole under its guidelines.
AUTOMATIC EXPUNGEMENT
The Automatic Expungement portion of the Clean Slate law goes into effect; more than 250,000 people become conviction-free on Day 1.
April
2023
August
2021
FIRST-OFFENSE DUI
JOB LICENSING
December
2020
December
2020
JAILS TASK FORCE BILLS
We helped pass a 19-bill package to reduce driver’s license suspensions, created alternatives to incarceration, shortened probation terms and more.
CLEAN SLATE
SJM spearheaded the passage of Michigan’s landmark Clean Slate law, vastly increasing eligibility for the sealing of past criminal convictions.
October
2020
September
2018
OBJECTIVE PAROLE
SJM passed a law that required the parole board to use evidence-based practices to guide parole decisions.
SUCCESSOR JUDGES
December
2016
December
2014
