MI SB1159

Modifies parole eligibility for prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment for controlled substance violations under Michigan Public Health Code sections 7401(2)(a)(i) through (iv) and 7403(2)(a)(i) through (iv) when offenses occurred before March 1, 2003.

Establishes differentiated parole eligibility timelines based on offense type: 20 years for those with another serious crime conviction, 17.5 years for those without; 10 years for certain violations; and 5 years for specific drug-free zone violations.

Creates a new category allowing life-sentenced prisoners convicted of certain controlled substance offenses with prior similar convictions to become parole-eligible after serving 5 years if sentenced under the law as it existed before the bill's effective date.

Requires the sentencing judge to determine on record whether a prisoner cooperated with law enforcement, potentially reducing parole eligibility by 2.5 years; protects defendants' constitutional right to trial by jury from being used against them in cooperation determinations.

Becomes effective 90 days after enactment, contingent upon passage of a companion bill (SB 1158 or HB with request no. 05755'16).