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HB 4812

Corrections: parole; certain voting information on release; require department of corrections to provide. Amends secs. 34c & 35 of 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.234c & 791.235).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Breen and 14 co-sponsors

MDOC must help eligible prisoners obtain IDs and provide written voter information before release to support reentry and voting participation.

bill electronically reproduced 08/26/2025
#corrections:parole #corrections:prisoners #elections:registration #elections:voters
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Bill Summary · HB 4812

Summary — HB 4812 (2025)

Status: Introduced (filed Mar 13, 2025); committee hearings Apr 2025; bill electronically reproduced/introduced Aug 26, 2025; referred to Committee on Election Integrity. Companion: SB 2703.

Purpose

HB 4812 amends sections 34c and 35 of the Corrections Code (1953 PA 232) to strengthen reentry assistance for prisoners by requiring the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) to help eligible prisoners obtain identity documents and to provide written voter-registration and voting information prior to release. It also makes related administrative changes (including creation of a reentry fund and Secretary of State access to prisoner records for identity verification).

Key provisions

  • Reentry assistance (amends MCL 791.234c)

    • MDOC must assist prisoners in obtaining identification documents needed to apply for an operator’s license or state personal ID (documents that, together with a prisoner ID, meet Secretary of State requirements).
    • MDOC must, subject to security needs, reasonably allow prisoners to obtain those documents before parole or discharge.
    • MDOC must assist in obtaining a Social Security card or Social Security number verification “if possible to obtain.”
    • A prisoner’s refusal to obtain or attempt to obtain these documents may be noted in the prisoner’s parole eligibility report.

  • Voter information (new/clarifying language in MCL 791.234c)

    • MDOC must provide prisoners a written document containing:
    • That persons released from confinement may register and vote if otherwise eligible under state law.
    • Specific instructions on voter registration and how to vote (in-person on election day, in-person during early voting, or by absentee ballot).
    • Regular election dates as set in the Michigan Election Law (MCL 168.641).
    • The Secretary of State must create a written document that includes the voter information described above.

  • Administrative and funding changes

    • Secretary of State must be allowed electronic access to prisoner information for identity verification purposes when applying for licenses/IDs.
    • Reentry Success Fund created in the state treasury to receive monies for costs of performing activities required by the section; funds remain in the account and are spent by MDOC only upon appropriation.

  • Parole provisions (MCL 791.235)

    • The bill includes (or retains) statutory language governing parole interviews, notice requirements, evaluation standards, and factors disallowed in parole decisions. (No substantive change to the parole decision framework is apparent beyond cross-references to detention/reentry documentation requirements.)

Who is affected

  • Prisoners under MDOC jurisdiction who are eligible to obtain state operator’s licenses or personal ID cards.
  • MDOC (administration, reception centers, parole staff) — additional duties for assistance, documentation, and providing voter information.
  • Secretary of State — required to create voter-documents and be given electronic access to verify prisoner identity.
  • Parole Board — may receive prisoner refusal-to-participate information in parole eligibility reports.
  • State budget/appropriations — potential expenditures from the newly created Reentry Success Fund.

Potential impacts

  • Facilitates reentry by reducing barriers to obtaining state IDs and Social Security verification—likely improving access to employment, services, and voter registration for released persons.
  • Encourages voter participation among eligible formerly incarcerated individuals by ensuring they receive clear registration and voting instructions.
  • Administrative costs to MDOC and Secretary of State; expenditures would require appropriation to the Reentry Success Fund.
  • Security and privacy issues may arise around electronic access to prisoner data; MDOC retains discretion based on security needs.

Procedure / Timeline

  • Filed Mar 13, 2025; committee hearings and testimony in April 2025 with a committee report circulated and favorably reported without amendment in late April 2025. Bill was electronically reproduced and reintroduced Aug 26, 2025 and referred to the Committee on Election Integrity.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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