Hearing includes amendments to expand videoconferencing

The Michigan Supreme Court will hold a hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 14, in Lansing to consider amendments that would permit courts to expand use of videoconferencing technology to additional court proceedings.

Based on current court rules, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) has saved $14.7 million since 2010 through the virtual transport of prisoners, according to court officials.

The savings to the department in staff time and travel have climbed from $649,000 in fiscal year 2011 to $4.3 million in FY 2015, officials say, and are expected to reach $4.8 million in FY 2016.

The hearing will be held  in the Supreme Court courtroom located on the sixth floor of the Michigan Hall of Justice, 925 W. Ottawa Street in Lansing.

Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. and adjourn no later than 11:30 a.m.

Those who wish to address the court regarding matters on the agenda will be allotted three minutes each to present their views, after which the speakers may be questioned by the justices.

To reserve a place on the agenda, notify the Office of Administrative Counsel in writing at P.O. Box 30052, Lansing, 48909; or by e-mail at ADMcomment@courts.mi.gov.