Whitmer signs bills putting student safety first, other legislation

On Tuesday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 4201, 4202, 4203, and 4204, making our school buses safer and putting Michigan students first. 

“Every child in Michigan deserves access to a safe, secure ride to and from school,” said Whitmer. “These bills make our school buses safer, allowing every child to safely attend school, where they can learn and grow. I am proud to sign these bills that puts Michigan’s children first.”

House Bills 4201 and HB 4203 will prohibit unauthorized persons from boarding a school bus without permission of the driver and create a $500 civil fine for an unauthorized boarding. 

HB 4201 was sponsored by Rep. Jack O’Malley, R-Lake Ann. 

HB 4203 was sponsored by Rep. Jewell Jones, D- Inkster. 

“We have made the school buildings safer. These bills now bring focus on the weakest link, the school bus,” said O’Malley. “We will have better enforcement of those who ignore the stop arm. Also the boarding with permission brings the respect our drivers need while keeping our kids safe.”

“MAPT would like to thank Governor Whitmer for signing these bills, which will ensure the safety of children walking to and from a school bus and educate the motoring public about what to do when approaching a school bus as well,” said Katrina Morris, West Shore Elementary School District Transportation director and Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation Immediate past president. “We are also grateful to Rep. Jack O’Malley and a bipartisan coalition of legislators who have worked tirelessly on this legislation for the past few years that not only protects schoolchildren, but school district transportation professionals and the motoring public as well.” 

HB 4202 and HB 4204 will allow school buses to be equipped with a stop-arm camera system and provide for the use of visual material from such camera as evidence in a proceeding for failing to stop or overtaking a stopped school bus when red flashing lights are activated.

“These bills prioritize student safety,” said Rep. Tyrone Carter, D-Detroit. “I am grateful for the bipartisan support in empowering our students.” 

HB 4202 was sponsored by Carter.  HB 4204 was sponsored by Rep. Greg VanWoerkom, R-Norton Shores.

The governor also signed House Bill 4359, Senate Bill 559 and House Bill 4603. 

HB 4359 will expand the scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), allowing them greater autonomy in their practice while ensuring that only CRNAs with appropriate experience and credentials can operate without physician oversight.

HB 4359 was sponsored by Rep. Mary Whiteford, R-Casco Twp..

“Removing the requirement of physician supervision will empower our CRNAs,” said Whiteford. Eliminating this requirement will help improve access to anesthesia services, especially in underserved areas of our state, while reducing health care costs for patients.”

“We are proud to have Governor Whitmer sign into law legislation that makes clear the importance of nurse anesthetist working alongside their physician colleagues,” said Toni Schmittling, president of the Michigan Association of Nurse Anesthetists. “Our united goal in healthcare is the best care for patients, and this bill ensures high quality healthcare for Michigan patients.”

SB 559 would immediately amend the Michigan Liquor Control Code to reduce the number of needed races from 7 to 2 for a motorsports entertainment complex to retain a liquor license. 

Senate Bill 559 was sponsored by Sen. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton.

House Bill 4603 would allow certain agricultural boards to utilize remote meeting technologies under the Open Meetings Act. 

HB 4603 sponsored by Rep. Joseph Bellino Jr., R-Monroe.