Michigan Senate Approves Criminal Justice Overhaul Package

LANSING (AP) - The state Senate has approved a 20-bill criminal justice overhaul package designed to save taxpayers' money by keeping more prisoners from reoffending.

The legislation would reduce parole and probation revocations, define recidivism and offer incentives to people employing parolees.

It won unanimous, bipartisan approval Thursday after a brief speech from Republican Sen. John Proos, who urged support.

Proos, of St. Joseph in southwestern Michigan, told fellow lawmakers the package is an opportunity to cut incarceration costs and give people chances to stay out of prison.

The package now goes to the House for consideration.

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