Youthful Offenders Get Second Chance

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has signed bills that will raise the age limit and make other changes to a program aimed at offering a second chance to young criminal offenders.
The legislation signed Wednesday allows offenders under age 24 to have their criminal record cleared if they complete their sentence without incident.
Other changes to the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act will allow courts to require someone in the program to work or attend school.
Snyder says "allowing younger offenders to fulfill their sentence with the promise of a second chance" gives them time to "chart a different course for the future."
The governor spoke about the program in his special message on criminal justice Monday.
The bipartisan package had broad margins of support through the House and Senate.