Snyder signs anti-crime bill into law

Governor Rick Snyder has signed into law the Violent Offense-Fourth Felony (VO-4) legislation, which requires at least 25 years in prison for violent repeat offenders. Attorney General Bill Schuette's proposed the law as part of his public safety plan. ''VO-4 helps ensure safer communities by giving prosecutors a tool to remove the worst of the worst - violent, repeat offenders - from our streets,'' said Schuette in a statement. ''I am pleased to join Governor Snyder, Speaker Bolger, Majority Leader Richardville, Representative Walsh and Senator Jones to make Michigan safer by putting public safety first. We will never have a full economic recovery until we have safety in our streets, neighborhoods, and schools.'' Under Senate Bill 1109, sponsored by Sen. Rick Jones, those who have committed four felonies while progressing to more violent crimes like attempted murder, assault with the intent to commit murder, criminal sexual conduct, carjacking or kidnapping are subject to the stricter penalty. SB 1109 is now Public Act 319 of 2012. ''This is an important part of reinventing public safety in Michigan,'' Snyder said. ''By holding chronic offenders accountable we can keep our communities safe, bring peace of mind to victims and their families, and help Michigan reach its full potential. Published: Mon, Dec 31, 2012