LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Some prisoners might have a better chance at parole under a bill that would restrict the role of judges in the process.

Michigan judges who sentence people to a life term with a chance for parole can stop the parole process. That power also extends to a successor judge. But a bill approved by the House on Thursday would strip the veto authority given to a second judge.

Republican Rep. Dave Pagel says his bill corrects an “unjust” situation that can hurt a prisoner’s opportunity for release. He says successor judges often tend to veto parole.

House Minority Leader Rep. Tim Greimel voted against the bill. He says judges should still have a role in the decision.