“Data show these programs strengthen communities by reducing crime, boosting employment”

LANSING, MI, October 24, 2024 (Substance Abuse Prevention Month) – The Michigan Supreme Court announces that the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) has awarded $18,823,910 million in grants for Fiscal Year 2025 to problem-solving court (PSC) programs statewide, including drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts.

Data have consistently shown that these specialized programs lower crime and unemployment rates, and improve the quality of life of PSC graduates.

“When people ask me how trial courts engage with their communities and provide access to valuable resources, I initially point to problem-solving courts because these programs represent the best of what we do in the judiciary: save lives,” said Justice Kyra H. Bolden, who serves as the Court’s liaison to PSCs. “And we couldn’t do that without this critical state and federal grant funding that gives participants and their families a second chance.”

PSC grant totals and recipients by court type:

• Drug Courts $11,976,458                     (recipients)*
• Mental Health Courts $5,692,452          (recipients)*
• Veterans Treatment Courts $1,155,000  (recipients)*

Key findings in the FY 2023 PSC Annual Report:

• Graduates of adult drug court programs were, on average, 4 times less likely to be convicted of a new offense within three years of admission to a program
• Graduates of sobriety court programs were, on average, more than 3 times less likely to be convicted of a new offense within three years of admission to a program; those who used ignition interlock devices were 5 times less likely to reoffend within three years of admission.
• Unemployment dropped by 88 percent for sobriety court graduates and hybrid court (drug/sobriety) graduates.
• Adult circuit mental health court (MHC) graduates were on average nearly 2 times less likely to commit another crime within three years of admission to a program.
• Unemployment among adult circuit MHC graduates dropped by 88 percent.
• MHC graduates noted an average 99 percent improvement in mental health and quality of life improvement following completion of a program.
• Unemployment among VTC graduates dropped by 82 percent.
• Michigan remains a national leader with 28 VTCs.

Problem-solving courts are programs that focus on nonviolent offenders whose underlying issues, such as a substance use disorder or mental health diagnosis, have contributed to recurring involvement with the criminal justice system. In addition to funding, SCAO also provides these courts with operational support and resources, state certification, and training.

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Michigan House Bill 5451 of 2024: A Step Toward “Safer Communities”

Michigan House Bill 5451, introduced by Representative Sharon MacDonell in February 2024, aims to enhance firearm safety in homes with children.

The bill mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) create an informational notice in English, Spanish, and Arabic about safe firearm storage practices.

This notice would be distributed to the Department of Education (DOE) and shared with all public and nonpublic schools.

The informational notice would include:

• Overview of Michigan’s Safe Storage Law: A summary of the legal requirements for secure firearm storage, particularly in homes with children.
• Frequently Asked Questions: Answers to common questions about safe storage practices, such as the best types of gun safes or locks.
• Resources for Free or Low-Cost Gun Safes and Locks: Information on where parents and guardians can obtain these safety devices at little or no cost.

The goal of this legislation is to prevent accidental shootings and unauthorized access to firearms by minors. By providing clear and accessible information, the bill seeks to empower parents and guardians to make informed decisions about firearm safety.

Current Status

As of November 2024, House Bill 5451 has passed the House and is now being considered by the Michigan Senate. If the Senate approves the bill, it will be sent to the Governor for signature.

Current Bill 11/13/24

• House Bill 5451 of 2024 (PDF)
• House Bill 5450 of 2024 (PDF) (Tied to HB5451)
• Bill Sponsors

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Step by Step

Michigan House Bill 5450 of 2024 is a bill that was introduced by Representative Sharon MacDonell on February 14, 2024.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and was reported with a recommendation with a substitute on May 14, 2024. The bill was then referred to second reading. On November 13, 2024, the bill was passed by the House.

The bill is an act to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by adding section 1313a. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to develop and provide to the Department of Education an informational notice in English, Spanish, and Arabic containing information and best practices regarding the storage of firearms.

The notice must include an overview of the requirements under section 9 of 1927 PA 372, MCL 28.429, answers to frequently asked questions about firearm storage requirements, and guidance on where a parent or legal guardian can obtain gun locks and gun safes, including free or low-cost options.

The Department of Health and Human Services is also required to share the informational notice with all public schools and nonpublic schools.

The bill is currently in the Senate. If the bill is passed by the Senate, it will be sent to the Governor for signature. If the Governor signs the bill, it will become law.

Current Bill 11/13/24

• House Bill 5450 of 2024 (PDF)
• Bill Sponsors

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