Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed several bills into law last week. Among them was legislation to expand drug courts and bills to ban the sale of items some people use to get high on nitrous oxide, known as “whip-its.”
SB 57 and SB 58 , sponsored by Sens. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) and Joseph Bellino Jr. (R-Monroe), prohibit the sale of any items used to huff nitrous oxide if the seller knows the equipment would be used for the sole purpose of getting high (See “Whip-It Sales Ban Blows Out Of Committee,” 10/4/23).
“The abuse of nitrous oxide ‘whip-its’ continues to be a problem in Detroit and around the state, leading to serious health impacts, in part because of how widely accessible the cannisters and crackers are,” Chang said.
She said the bills were passed with the help of the Whippet WipeOut Coalition and bipartisan support.
“These new laws will address the problem by targeting those who are selling these canisters without selling whipping cream or dispensers for a legitimate use – stopping easy access by kids who use this gas like a drug,” Bellino said.
Those who are doing whip-its could end up in a drug court, which also saw an expansion after Whitmer signed HB 4524 , sponsored by Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph).
The law would allow judges to review the circumstances and permit convicted participants of drug treatment programs to continue treatment. Under current law, if the participant is convicted of a felony after they are in the program, the treatment has to end.
“People who struggle with substance abuse often relapse, but that shouldn’t be the end of their healing journey. Allowing judges and prosecutors to take a holistic view of the individual’s circumstances will undoubtedly lead to better outcomes,” Andrews said.
The bill is part of the family treatment program package, which also saw HB 4522 , sponsored by Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Novi) be signed (See “Senate Committee Takes Testimony On Treatment Legislation,” 2/1/24).
The law would separate family treatment court from the drug treatment court and put it under the family court division.
“When families are facing crises, we must have their backs and connect them with the resources and help that they need to get better,” Whitmer said.
Breen said courts to address issues faced by people was a good idea, especially for the people who needed help, but the family treatment courts were in the wrong place and this would change the model.
“By adding a new chapter of law, we are enacting truly positive criminal justice reform that can better serve the people of our state by protecting children and keeping families together,” she said.
Whitmer also signed HB 4185 and HB 4190 , sponsored by Reps. Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens) and Curtis Vanderwall
(R-Ludington). The bills would increase the standards needed when workers are dealing with asbestos.
Vander Wall’s bill would mandate contractors to list federal and state environmental violations they were flagged with over the last five years.
Mentzer’s bill would prevent the penalties from being lowered below federal OSHA limits by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The Rep. Jenn Hill
(D-Marquette)-sponsored HB 4989 was also signed. The bill allows local governments not to appoint a designated assessor and have one appointed by the State Tax Commission.
“Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, this new law will let counties opt in to having an assessor appointed if they are having trouble getting the work done. We are easing a significant burden on local governments and saving taxpayer dollars,” Hill said.
Whitmer also signed HB 4857 that removed milkweed from the list of noxious or exotic weeds. The plant is an essential food source for butterflies (See “‘Weed’ Taken Off Milkweed For Monarch Butterfly Benefit,” 10/4/23).
“There’s been some debate recently about what species of butterfly is most representative of Michigan. Whether you’re team Monarch or team Swallowtail, their diminishing food source is a serious concern,” Bill-sponsor Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) said.
This story appeared in MIRS news service