(WWJ/AP) The Michigan House has approved legislation that would allow an estimated 200,000 one-time drunken drivers to ask a judge to set aside their convictions.
The measures approved Wednesday now head to the Senate. In the previous legislative session the Senate passed the legislation 32-5 and the House 96-8.
This new legislative package, which is comprised of House Bills 4219 and 4220, with Republican Rep. Joseph Bellino and Democratic Rep. Tenisha Yancey serving as sponsors.
Even with bipartisan support, the future of the bills remains unclear..
Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer without comment let it die by not signing it, even after signing a slew of "clean slate" legislation to create simple avenues for expungement of other convictions.
The first time around, former Whitmer spokesperson Tiffany Brown did not provide specific explanation for the denial.
“The governor let several lame duck bills expire without her signature,” Brown said in a statement to MLive on Jan. 5. “The reasons vary, including a failure to negotiate the bills, disagreement on the underlying policy or the complexity of the subject matter and the need for further discussion.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, the governor's office had not commented on the latest effort.
Bellino said he has sent a letter encouraging Whitmer.
“As a former drug and alcohol addict, I firmly believe that a single misstep does not define someone’s life,” Bellino, of Monroe, said in a statement.
“The expungement package we passed last term showed Michiganders that our stance on criminal justice is one of reform, not punishment. But our efforts mean little if we don’t take action to fully support that position. The passage of these bills will allow those who have made a one-time mistake to learn from it and find gainful employment and opportunities without struggle. I urge Governor Whitmer to reconsider her stance on this matter and take these next steps with us by supporting and signing House Bills 4219 and 4220 into law.”
Drunken driving violations that caused death or serious injury to another person, as well as any subsequent conviction would not be eligible.
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