Michigan Senate OKs Annual Sex Offender Fee
LANSING (AP) - Registered sex offenders living in Michigan would have to pay an annual fee under a measure that has passed the Republican-led Senate.
The bill passed on a 33 to 2 vote Thursday. Registered sex offenders must currently pay a one-time $50 fee, but this bill would require that they pay $50 annually.
Republican Sen. Rick Jones of Grand Ledge is the bill's sponsor. He says $20 of each fee would go to local law enforcement and $30 to the state.
The bill only applies to registered sex offenders who are out of prison. People that prove that they are indigent can get a fee waiver.
He says neighboring states like Indiana and Illinois already charge annual fees.
The bill now heads to the House.
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