State Rep. Mike Harris, a retired Waterford police sergeant and member of the House Criminal Justice Committee, on Tuesday criticized legislation that would release more accused criminals back onto the streets without paying bail.

The committee held a hearing Tuesday morning on House Bills 4655-4656 and 4658-4661, which would overhaul Michigan’s bail laws and limit the circumstances in which judges can require bail as a condition of release for criminal defendants awaiting trial. Harris, R-Waterford, said the legislation would make Michigan communities less safe.

“Letting more accused criminals out of jail without bail is a dangerous move that threatens public safety and undermines criminal justice,” said Harris, who served in law enforcement for 26 years. “Bail is a powerful financial incentive for good behavior. It encourages defendants to follow the law in our communities and then show up in court. This legislation would tie the hands of judges and release more criminals into our communities without the necessary guardrails to keep our communities safe.”

Harris pointed to troubling outcomes in other states, such as New York and California, where similar bail reforms have led to an increase in repeat offenses. In New York City, nearly 50% of felony offenders released without bail were rearrested while awaiting trial.

The House legislation would severely limit judges’ authority and establish high standards of evidence before ordering a defendant to pay bail to get out of jail. The bills would require courts to release more defendants on personal recognizance bond, an arrangement that involves no upfront payment.

“Without strong bail requirements, repeat offenders have caused a crime surge in other states,” Harris said. “Michigan shouldn’t repeat the mistakes of California and New York. We should keep bail options available to protect our communities while ensuring defendants and victims receive their day in court.”