HB 6224 Summary

• Amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.22) to add a new offense variable 21 that courts may apply in their discretion to reduce sentences based on employment status.

• Allows courts to reduce a defendant's offense variable score by up to 5 points if the defendant's work history shows they have been a substantial contributor to their community while employed.

• Allows courts to reduce a defendant's offense variable score by up to 5 points if the defendant is unemployed or underemployed but is making substantial efforts to seek employment.

• Offense variable 21 must be scored after all other offense variables (1-20) have been scored and is applicable only when relevant to the facts of the case.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment into law.