State Rep. Ann Bollin on Wednesday expressed support for the governor’s call for a full and transparent investigation following the deaths of two inmates within four days at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility.

Bollin, R-Brighton Township, said the reports are deeply concerning and reinforce the need to address longstanding problems at Michigan’s only women’s prison, including deteriorating infrastructure, contraband issues, and reports of potentially unsafe living conditions.

“These deaths are concerning, and the families involved deserve answers,” said Bollin, R-Brighton Township. “A full, transparent investigation must happen immediately. That’s something the governor and I both agree on. We need to know exactly what occurred and whether proper care was provided.”

Bollin said the House budget proposal prioritizes improvements at correctional facilities because she recognized serious concerns throughout the prison system, particularly at the Women’s Huron Valley facility.

“I have spent significant time digging into the condition of our correctional facilities and their infrastructure needs because these issues cannot continue to be ignored,” Bollin said. “Women’s Huron Valley has been a priority. That is why the House budget included $39.5 million for the Department of Corrections to address physical plant and infrastructure projects at facilities across the state, including Huron Valley.”

Bollin also stressed the importance of stronger accountability measures and increased efforts to stop contraband from entering prisons.

“We need to know what is coming in and out of our prisons,” Bollin said. “Contraband creates dangerous conditions for both inmates and corrections officers. I have consistently fought for stronger contraband prevention measures, more thorough searches, and increased accountability within the corrections system to improve safety for everyone inside these facilities.”

Bollin said the investigation must be swift, thorough, and transparent so lawmakers and the public can fully understand what changes are necessary moving forward.

“The state has a responsibility to maintain safe, secure, and humane conditions within our correctional facilities,” Bollin said. “We cannot look the other way when serious warning signs continue to surface.”

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