Michigan Senate Bill SB0902

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/16/26
• Refer: 4/16/26

Caption

Criminal procedure: probation; probation for certain criminal sexual conduct violations; prohibit. Amends sec. 1, ch. XI of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 771.1).

Impact

One of the notable aspects of SB 902 is the specification of supervision fees associated with delayed sentencing. If a defendant is placed under supervision (whether with or without electronic monitoring), the court must include specific fees—$30.00 for regular supervision and $60.00 for those monitored electronically—multiplied by the number of months the sentence is delayed. This fee structure intends to allocate partial responsibility for the costs of supervision to the individuals regulated under probation.

Summary

Senate Bill 902, aimed at amending the 1927 PA 175 (The Code of Criminal Procedure), introduces significant changes regarding probation and the imposition of supervision fees. The bill allows courts to place defendants on probation for various offenses (excluding serious crimes such as murder and armed robbery) if they demonstrate that they are unlikely to re-offend. Additionally, it provides a provision for courts to delay sentencing for up to one year, enabling defendants to prove their eligibility for probation or engage in rehabilitation tactics.

Conclusion

Overall, Senate Bill 902 seeks to modernize aspects of probation and enhance the rehabilitative process within the Michigan criminal justice system. By incorporating the fee structures and the use of electronic monitoring, it attempts to maintain oversight while also providing opportunities for individuals to address their conduct in a structured manner, thus fostering a pathway towards rehabilitation.

Contention

There is a potential point of contention regarding the new fee structures, especially considering the discretion provided to courts to waive these fees for indigent individuals. This might create disparities in how justice is administered based on one's economic status, leading to arguments about equity and fairness within the legal system. The bill, while aiming to promote rehabilitation and support judicial processing, raises questions about the balancing act between public safety interests and the financial burden placed on individuals under probation.