LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A package of public safety bills passed the Michigan House Rules and Competitiveness Committee to support people who have survived crimes.

The bill passed with bipartisan support.

House bills 4670-4675 create greater access to victim services to address trauma and establish incentives to ensure incarcerated people are engaged in rehab programs ready for them to join the workforce.

These efforts to make communities safer are supported by members of the business and faith communities, as well as crime victims throughout Michigan.

“We’ve been waiting a while for this moment and it always nerve-racking because we don’t know which direction this was going to go,” said survivor Priscilla Bordayo.

“As a victim of a previous crime, I think it’s important that victims get all that they need in order to truly heal.”

The legislation now makes its way to the House floor for a vote in the coming weeks. 

“What crime victims want most is a public safety system that elevates our voices and considers our needs as survivors. The Safer Michigan Act prioritizes proven approaches to rehabilitation and victim services, ensuring that we address the root causes of crime and strengthen our communities. With this legislation, Michigan crime survivors can rest assured that our elected officials are standing with us for true safety. We are grateful for the leadership of Representatives Bronna Kahle, Tyrone Carter, Brian Posthumus, Julie Calley, Bradley Slagh, Tenisha Yancey, and Abdullah Hammoud who’ve spent months championing the Safer Michigan Act. We urge the full legislature to advocate for safer communities and help us heal by passing the Safer Michigan Act.” 

Qiana Wimbley, Co-Coordinator of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice’s Detroit Chapter.

Alliance for Safety and Justice is a multi-state organization whose goal is to replace non-effective criminal justice system policies with what is deemed best to help keep people out of harm’s way.

“If you look at our state, we’re the worst in the country when it comes to victim compensation,” said Bordayo.

“You can’t end cycles of crime by focusing on victims…  but if you focus on rehabilitation for those who don’t have life sentences – really focusing on those incentive programs to really help get to the root issues of why they did what they did. You’re reducing recidivism by them getting an education taking classes, getting counseling.”