October 23, 2023

Dear Honorable Members of the Michigan Senate,

We are writing to encourage you to vote in favor of Senate Bills 428 – 431 to eliminate juvenile fines and fees in Michigan. Passing these bills will allow the juvenile system to focus on rehabilitation and other proven methods to reduce recidivism and provide our youth with a greater opportunity to succeed.

Our CEO Action for Racial Equity (CEOARE) Fellowship unites the talent and resources of more than 100 signatory organizations, many of whom have a significant presence in Michigan, to advance racial equity through public policy. We are committed to working with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to help bring equity, transparency, and accountability to our justice system.

In Michigan, youth and their families are often charged with fines and fees throughout the juvenile court process, including fees for cost of care, court-appointed attorneys, DNA assessments, and community service. These costs can quickly add up, and youth may face the difficult choice of either taking a job to pay their court bills or continuing their education. Unpaid fees can also follow youth into adulthood, harming their credit and eligibility for student loans, home rental leases, or car loans.¹

As business leaders, we look to foster and leverage diversity to help drive innovation to strengthen Michigan’s economy. However, Black youths in Michigan interact with the justice system at a disproportionately higher rate compared to youths of any other race,² making it harder for businesses to hire the multicultural and skilled workforce we want and need.

Senate Bills 428 – 431 provide Michigan with the opportunity to change policies that have created a cycle of debt and stress for children and their families. Our justice system policies should give our youth the opportunity for success in life, including the chance to participate in our workforce, contribute to our economic growth and development in Michigan.

CEOARE urges you to pass Senate Bills 428 – 431, which will eliminate juvenile justice fines and fees in Michigan and will enact policies that bring greater equity to the juvenile justice system.

–
Sincerely,
CEO Action for Racial Equity

Citations

^[1] Atasi Uppal, The High Cost of “Justice”: A Snapshot of Juvenile Court Fines and Fees in Michigan (National Center for Youth Law, August 2020), 9, https://youthlaw.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2022-02/2020.08.13-MI-Fines-Fees-1.pdf.

^[2] Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice, Michigan Racial and Ethnic Disparities Data, Fiscal Year 2020, Michigan 2020 Matrix, Percentage of Minorities at Stages of the Juvenile Justice System, All Reporting Counties 2020, https://michigancommitteeonjuvenilejustice.com/michigan-data/michigan-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-data/.