Governor Whitmer Declares War on Car Thieves, Discrimination, and Faulty Smoke Alarms

Photo byJulia Pickett, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Lansing, July 25, 2024 – Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed four new bills into law this week, aimed at enhancing public safety and providing greater protections for Michigan residents. The legislation addresses a range of issues, including car theft, discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, and fire safety.

Key Legislative Measures:

House Bill 4718: Sponsored by State Representative Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), this bill makes Michigan the 20th state to outlaw the "gay or transgender panic defense" in court cases. This defense previously allowed defendants to justify violent acts based on the victim's actual or perceived gender identity or sexual orientation. The new law aims to close loopholes that could lead to violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, bolstering legal protections for this community.

Representative Pohutsky expressed her support for the legislation, stating, "This bill is a significant step towards ensuring safety and justice for LGBTQ+ Michiganders."

House Bills 5182 and 5183: These bills, sponsored by Representatives Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) and Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens), make it illegal to possess, use, or intend to use "ProPAD" devices—tools used to program key codes for stealing automobiles. The legislation aims to curb the rise in vehicle thefts, particularly in Southeast Michigan.

Senate Bill 328: Sponsored by State Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), this bill updates standards for smoke alarms in residential buildings. The updated regulations are designed to ensure that smoke alarms are up to code, thereby improving safety and reducing fire-related risks.

Senator Hertel emphasized the importance of the new standards, noting, "This legislation will provide Michigan families with enhanced safety and peace of mind."

Broader Public Safety Initiatives

Governor Whitmer highlighted these legislative efforts as part of a broader strategy to increase public safety across Michigan. Since taking office, she has overseen more than $1.5 billion in public safety investments, including the establishment of a Public Safety Trust Fund and significant upgrades to the state's emergency communication systems.

The Governor also reiterated her commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, having previously established Michigan's first statewide LGBTQ+ commission and expanded protections under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. She has pledged to veto any anti-trans legislation that reaches her desk.

Conclusion

The new laws signed by Governor Whitmer reflect ongoing efforts to adapt state legislation to contemporary challenges, including advanced technology in vehicle theft and the need for greater protections against discrimination. These measures are part of a broader initiative to ensure the safety and well-being of all Michigan residents.