Lansing, MI. (October 15, 2025) — State Representative Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) today introduced new, bipartisan legislation to equip local law enforcement with the tools they need to solve more crimes, and provide support and closure for crime victims.

“Local law enforcement do incredible work, but they need our help,” said Lightner. “Clearance rates of violent crimes are too low in many Michigan communities, because our amazing first responders lack the support they need from Lansing. Let’s change that today.”

The likelihood of getting caught is one of the most important crime deterrents. Yet, the majority of violent offenses in Michigan currently go unsolved. New polling, commissioned by Arnold Ventures, shows that Michiganders overwhelmingly approve of efforts to increase the number of crimes that are solved and keep their communities safe.

The Violent Crime Clearance Act, which is supported by law enforcement groups, would establish a grant program to provide law enforcement with more resources to solve crimes. These grant funds, if appropriated or identified, could be used to hire, train, and retain investigative personnel, acquire and upgrade equipment and technology, and provide supportive services to crime victims.

The bill’s focus on solving more crimes is overwhelmingly endorsed by Michiganders.  Polling released today finds that 82% of voters in the state support the Violent Crime Clearance Act, including 88% of Republicans, 83% of Democrats, and 71% of independents. The poll includes insights from 600 Michigan voters and was conducted September 2-4, 2025.

“Getting closure for victims of crime and their families, and protecting our communities from further violence is a core mission of law enforcement, yet solving cases takes an immense amount of time and resources,” said Mike Sauger, president of the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police. “In many law enforcement communities across Michigan, those resources are lacking. The Michigan Fraternal Order of Police supports bills introduced by Representative Lightner and state Senator Stephanie Chang to help extend further resources to law enforcement, such as evidence-processing technology and investigative tactics, as well as funding for more personnel.”

Said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard “For victims, their families, and their friends, closure is one of the most important things we can provide. Support from the state to improve clearance rates—resolving cases and delivering that closure—is invaluable and deeply appreciated.”