HR 321

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 321
Reps. Lightner,
Alexander, Breen, Paiz, Rheingans and Witwer offered the following resolution:
A resolution to declare May 2026 as
Treatment Court Month in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Treatment courts are a cornerstone of justice reform
in the United States and are widely recognized as among the most successful and
effective justice system interventions in our nation’s history; and
Whereas, There are more than 4,200 treatment courts operating
nationwide, including Michigan’s 209 treatment courts, which together have
helped restore hope, strengthen families, and improve outcomes for more than
1.5 million individuals; and
Whereas, Treatment courts have demonstrated significant
improvements in addressing substance use and mental health challenges, reducing
addiction and related crime, and achieving these outcomes at a lower cost than
traditional criminal justice approaches, saving an average of $6,000 per
participant; and
Whereas, Treatment courts foster strong community-based
partnerships by bringing together judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys,
treatment and rehabilitation professionals, law enforcement, community
supervision personnel, researchers, educators, and community leaders who share
a commitment to accountability, recovery, and healing; and
Whereas, Treatment courts improve public safety and promote
long-term stability by increasing educational attainment, employment, housing
and financial security, supporting family reunification, reducing foster care
placements, and improving maternal and infant health outcomes; and
Whereas, Treatment courts exemplify the belief that recovery
is possible, accountability leads to transformation, and when one person rises
out of substance use and crime, families grow stronger, communities heal, and
we all rise; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of
this legislative body declare May 2026 as Treatment Court Month in the state of
Michigan.