FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2024
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Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills to Keep Communities Safe, Protect Michigan Families and Neighborhoods
Commonsense legislation bolsters public safety, ensures Michiganders are better protected from car theft, discriminatory acts of violence, and fire-related risks
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Whitmer signed four bills this week to protect drivers from automobile theft, close loopholes that led to violence against LGBTQ+ Michiganders, and update standards for smoke alarms, making Michigan communities safer, stronger, and more inclusive places to live and work.
"Michiganders should be safe when they’re dropping their kids off at school, picking up groceries, or watching a movie at home,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud that since I took office, Michigan has invested more than $1.5 billion to protect public safety, and earlier this week, I signed four commonsense bills to update our laws to defend drivers from automobile theft, protect residents of the LGBTQ+ community from violence, and ensure Michiganders and their neighbors are protected from fire-related risks. I’ll work with anyone to make sure our laws keep people safe. Together, let’s get it done.”
Delivering on Key Public Safety Priorities
House Bill 4718, sponsored by state Representative Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), makes Michigan the 20th state to outlaw the “gay or transgender panic defense” in a court of law. This defense uses the discovery of, knowledge about, or potential disclosure of a person’s actual or perceived gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation as justification to commit a crime. This bill significantly expands legal safeguards for the LGBTQ+ community by protecting them from violent acts of discrimination, prejudice, and hate crimes. This builds upon Governor Whitmer’s work to make Michigan a more equitable and safe state for the LGBTQ+ community.
“I have been incredibly passionate about this bill for several years, and I am elated to see it signed into law. Protecting the future of LGBTQ+ people across Michigan is something I have been working hard to do,” said state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia). “This bill, alongside many other monumental pieces of legislation brought forth by Michigan Democrats, is a huge step toward securing a safe and inclusive state for all Michiganders.”
House Bill 5182 and House Bill 5183, sponsored by state Representative Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) and Representative Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens), make it a crime to possess, use, or intend to use a computer or similar technology, commonly known as “ProPAD” devices, to program a key code for automobile thefts.
“As technology continues to advance, it is our responsibility to ensure that state law adapts to keep Michiganders safe,” said state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn). “Today, I am proud to see my bill to protect drivers from automobile theft signed into law, giving Michigan’s car owners greater security and peace of mind.”
“Today, we took action to combat the recent increase of vehicle thefts in our state, particularly in Southeast Michigan,” said state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens). “As technology continues to advance, so must our laws. We will continue to take action to protect Michiganders from vehicle theft and ensure thieves using this advanced technology are met with swift justice.”
Senate Bill 328, sponsored by state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), increases public safety by updating certain standards for smoke alarms. By ensuring fire alarms are up to code, Michiganders will be better protected from fire-related risks, enhancing public safety in our communities. These regulations are important to each and every Michigander as they clearly define the specific standards needed for fire protection, diminishing risks and ensuring safety within our communities.
“As someone who lost much of his childhood home in a fire, I know firsthand how important it is for families to be immediately alerted if the unthinkable happens,” said state Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). “With this legislation, we’re working to provide Michigan families with the safety and peace of mind they deserve, while also helping them save money in the long run.”
Governor Whitmer’s Work to Keep Michiganders Safe and Reduce Crime in Our Communities
- Signed bipartisan legislation to support crime victims and strengthen privacy
- Delivered $75 million to establish a Public Safety Trust Fund to provide cities, villages, and townships with additional resources for police services and to support community violence intervention efforts
- Allocated $25 million for lifecycle upgrades to the state’s safety communication system, ensuring this critical infrastructure supports state and local emergency personnel
- Invested over $1.8 billion into public safety programs across 6 bipartisan budgets to assist police, firefighters, EMTs, and public safety departments with training, equipment, recruitment, retention, and support
- Invested $150 million in ongoing funding to help local governments hire more first responders and provide improved public safety services, building on the $7.5 billion invested in communities through FY24
Governor Whitmer’s Work to Fight for the LGBTQ+ Community
- Established the first-ever statewide LGBTQ+ commission to address issues facing the LGBTQ+ community
- Amended the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to reaffirm and expand protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, ensuring no one can be fired from their jobs or evicted from their home for who they love or how they identify
- Committed to opposing and vetoing any anti-trans legislation that hits her desk
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