Senate passes bill aimed at habitual offenders

LANSING (AP) -- The Michigan Senate has passed legislation requiring prison sentences of at least 25 years for people convicted of three or more serious violent crimes who commit one more. The Senate voted 32-6 Wednesday to approve the bill. The measure originated in the Senate, where it had returned from the House with minor changes before heading to Gov. Rick Snyder's desk. Sponsor Sen. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge) previously said Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette first raised the issue. Schuette said in a release Wednesday the bill will "remove the most dangerous offenders from our streets." The bill requires courts to follow the 25-year minimum guideline if habitual offenders are convicted of serious crimes like attempted murder, criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping. Published: Fri, Sep 21, 2012