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Schuette and MDOC on board with potential parole changes

flickr user: Elvert Barnes
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Michigan’s top prosecutor is on board with proposed changes to how the state parole board determines if an inmate can be released from prison.

Last year, Attorney General Bill Schuette opposed legislation to let inmates who behave while in prison get out after serving their minimum sentences.

But a new parole overhaul effort has his backing. It would require the parole board to give an objective reason for denying parole. And the bill gives a list of reasons the board can use.

One reason to deny parole is failure to complete a program ordered by the department of corrections.

Schuette says they want to make sure an inmate is prepared to re-enter society.

“This is a country of second chances.”

The Michigan Department of Corrections is supports the changes. The bill is waiting for action in the state Senate.