MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - A new bill, SB191 has been passed to full Senate for consideration. It may make it possible for felons convicted of retail fraud and criminal contempt to be ordered to reimburse their local unit or the state for expenses related to the crime, including transportation costs.

The bill would also allow local units to recover the costs of responding to and investigating retail crimes, which have been on the rise.

"I think this is a useful tool in the sentencing process that could benefit the local governments and state government, and some of the revenue issues that we all are suffering," says Greg Frenger, Lieutenant of the Meridian Township Police Department.

Courts can already order reimbursement as a part of penalty for felonious driving, homicide, and criminal contempt for violation of personal protection orders.