Citizens for Prison Reform urge House members to release hold on bill

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Having a family member in prison can be tough, and it can become even more stressful when you don't know what's going on inside.

Citizens For Prison Reform rallied at the State Capitol Thursday to urge legislators to release the hold on SB 493 .

Lois Pullano, Executive Director of Citizens For Prison Reform, says the bill would let prisoners and their families have proper complaint forms, but it was put on hold by Speaker of the House Joe Tate and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer since last February, even though the bill passed through the Senate unanimously.

Currently, prisoners have to write a letter to ask for a complaint form from an ombudsman, someone who helps citizens understand how government agencies work.

If the bill passes it would require the ombudsman to make monthly reports that get broken down by the prison on the number of complaints filed, which Pullano says could keep the prisoners safe.

"We would be able to see which prisons have the greatest medical needs. Which ones are having the most problems with grievances," said Pullano. "All of these things would be broken down by prison. We feel that it is essential for transparency."

Pullano also says the bill would allow more accountability within the Michigan Department of Corrections.

A spokesperson for Speaker Tate says the bill would have to go through committee before passing.