A bill introduced by state Rep. Matt Lori to allow more double-bunking at county jails, saving taxpayer dollars, was signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder.
PA 211 revises the square-footage requirements per jail inmate to provide more double-occupancy cells.
“This new law will give county officials more flexibility in how they allocate available space in jails,” said Lori, R-Constantine. “The ability to better manage jails will result in saving the state and counties taxpayer money.”
Key provisions of the new law will:
•         Revise provisions regulating the number of inmates housed in a jail cell designed for one or two inmates;
•         Eliminate restrictions on the percent of inmates allowed to be double bunked;
•         Allow high-security and segregation cells to be constructed to house multiple inmates; and
•         Revise criteria on which inmates can and cannot be housed together.
“As a former county sheriff, I understand how the limitations that previously existed could handcuff officials and result in wasting tax dollars,” Lori said. “This new law will enable county officials to make optimal use of available cell space and prevent the early release of dangerous inmates because of overcrowding issues.”