Updates About Legislation

On August 30, Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her “What’s Next Address” and discussed the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) being a priority for this fall. This comes after Michigan voters overwhelmingly supported the passage of Proposal 3, which legalized abortion in Michigan after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022.

Despite abortion being legal in Michigan, many wanted to see additional legislation that aims to protect access to abortion services and repeal current laws that add hurdles to those seeking and providing abortion services. A bill package of 11 bills was recently introduced which seek to remove these laws from Michigan statute. Just this week, the bills received a testimony only committee hearing in the House Health Policy Committee. Our McCall Hamilton team anticipates they will move quickly through the legislative process.

Beginning on June 30, Michigan will enact a new “hands-free” distracted driving law. While Michigan currently has a law against texting and driving, this new law will include stricter guidelines on what the phone can be used for while operating a vehicle.

In addition to texting, this law will prohibit drivers from holding their cell phone while making a call, recording or watching videos, and using social media while driving. A campaign raising awareness of this new law is expected in the near future.

This law does not include using a screen on the dashboard for changing music and navigation, mounts for cell phones, and making emergency calls. This law also does not include CB radios, two-way radios, and insulin pumps.

On May 22, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed extended risk protection order (ERPO) legislation, also known as “Red Flag Laws”. Red flag laws allow family, friends, law enforcement, and mental health professionals to petition a circuit court to seize firearms from an individual placed under an extreme risk protection order.

The law does create penalties for non-compliance and for those who knowingly provide false statements to the court. Governor Whitmer highlighted the importance of these laws in preventing violence and reducing suicides.