EXIT MAPS NOT REQUIRED IN JAIL OR PRISON

House Bill 5008 as referred to second committee

Sponsor:  Rep. James A. Lower

1st Committee:  Local Government and Municipal Finance

2nd Committee:  Ways and Means

Complete to 12-8-19

SUMMARY:  

House Bill 5008 would amend the Corrections Code to specify that, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a county sheriff is not required to post an exit map in an area of a jail that is accessible by inmates and the Department of Corrections is not required to post an exit map in an area of a correctional facility that is accessible by prisoners.

Exit map would mean a map that diagrams the exit routes of the building.

Proposed MCL 791.63b

BACKGROUND:

Although most jails and prisons in Michigan have not done so, they are technically required by the fire code to post exit maps where they can be easily seen by inmates. Concerns were raised that these exit maps could become “escape maps,” and that this would put the safety of prison and jail staff at risk.

FISCAL IMPACT:  

House Bill 5008 would not have any fiscal impact on the state or on local units of government.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Nick Kelly

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Robin Risko

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.