2014 House Bill 5216 / Public Act 359

Authorize government “certificate of employability” for ex-cons

Introduced in the House

Jan. 9, 2014

Introduced by Rep. Klint Kesto (R-39)

To authorize the Department of Corrections to issue (at its discretion) a “certificate of employability” to prisoners being released who have behaved well in prison, got counseling, earned a GED, and met other criteria (some of which are undefined and subjective).

Referred to the Committee on Commerce

March 19, 2014

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

April 17, 2014

Substitute offered

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Klint Kesto (R-39)

To also require that a prisoner scores well on a job skills assessment test in order to get the proposed certificate.

The amendment passed by voice vote

April 29, 2014

Passed in the House 110 to 0 (details)

To authorize the Department of Corrections to issue a “certificate of employability” to prisoners being released who have behaved well in prison and successfully completed a career and technical education course.

Received in the Senate

April 30, 2014

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

May 8, 2014

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 3, 2014

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To authorize the Department of Corrections to issue a “certificate of employability” to prisoners being released who have behaved well in prison and successfully completed a career and technical education course.

Received in the House

Dec. 3, 2014

Dec. 9, 2014

Passed in the House 109 to 0 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 17, 2014