MI HB4677

Creates a family advisory board within the Michigan Department of Corrections consisting of 10-15 members to advise on policies and programs supporting family reunification during and after incarceration.

Board membership includes a department employee designated by the director, the legislative corrections ombudsman, and governor-appointed representatives from nonprofits serving incarcerated individuals' families, including 2-3 currently incarcerated individuals' family members, 1-3 formerly incarcerated individuals' family members, at least 1 child of incarcerated parents, and professionals in social work, advocacy, and legal services.

Members serve 2-year terms except 5 initial appointees serving 1-year terms; board must meet at least quarterly and elect officers with 1-year terms; majority of members constitutes a quorum for official action.

Board shall assist the department in developing family reunification policies and programs, enhance communication between the department and families, identify barriers to reunification, gather feedback from families across the state, and file annual reports to legislative committees by October 1st.

Takes effect October 1, 2018, contingent upon enactment of House Bill 4678; board meetings are public except when discussing confidential prisoner or employee information; members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses.