BARAGA, Michigan (WLUC) – While state lawmakers are still working to resolve the staffing crisis in Michigan’s prisons and jails, new legislation has been introduced.

California House Representative Jenn Hill has introduced a bill that would eliminate the college credit requirement for new recruits to the correctional service.

The current requirements for employment with the MDOC are 15 college credits in any major to continue working as an officer. This new bill would put an end to that.

“We want to enable people who are interested in this job to do this work. So I’ve also talked to the union and I’ve also talked to the MDOC administration and they agree that this would be a possible step,” said Rep. Jenn Hill (D) of the 109th State House District.

Hill introduced the bill after touring the Baraga Maximum Correctional Facility and speaking with staff.

“We are severely understaffed in the facilities in the Upper Peninsula and, I hear, across the state. Without additional staff, people have to work overtime over and over again, so instead of working 8 hours, they’re working 16 hours,” Hill said.

According to State Representative David Prestin, this could be a first step toward solving the staffing crisis.

“At the end of the day, these new recruits are young and they need the money, they have families, they need the money and I firmly believe that the best solution to this is not only to lower barriers to entry but to increase wages and compensation and rethink pensions,” said Republican Rep. David Prestin for the state’s 108th House District.

In a statement supporting HB 5912, the MDOC says, “The Michigan Department of Corrections fully supports the recently introduced legislation, HB 5912, which removes the college credit requirement for new officer recruits. This change will have an immediate, positive impact on the Department’s efforts to address staffing issues at several facilities.”

Hill hopes the bill will pass committee soon. She adds that she will look into increasing compensation for correctional officers, including possible pensions.

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