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The Michigan Senate chamber is pictured during a recess on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024 at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. (Katy Kildee, The Detroit News/The Detroit News/TNS)
The Michigan Senate chamber is pictured during a recess on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024 at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. (Katy Kildee, The Detroit News/The Detroit News/TNS)
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Michigan’s “Red Flag” laws should be repealed as unconstitutional, Rep. James DeSana, R-Carleton, said in introducing a bill package to scuttle the laws.

DeSana said Extreme Risk Protection Orders – known as Red Flag Laws – would allow courts to seize firearms from individuals accused of being a risk to themselves or others. DeSana said the hearing process related to the laws is flawed and could deny citizens fundamental rights without an opportunity to defend themselves.

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James DeSana

“These poorly written laws strip away our rights,” he said. “We need to act and restore the rights of Michiganders by overturning these awful policies.”

His proposal was referred to the House Committee on Judiciary for consideration.

Law enforcement officers would be prohibited to use deception or lies when interrogating minors under a measure proposed by Rep. Dylan Wegela, D-Garden City.

“Unfortunately, some officers convince young people of something that is not true to get them to say things that didn’t happen,” Wegela said. “We want to make sure that doesn’t happen, and that justice is served only when it is accurate.”

Among other things, the law would make inadmissible as evidence any self-incriminated statements by minor who were victims of deceptive tactics or lying by police officers.

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Dylan Wegela

“It’s common sense to prevent police officers from intentionally lying to kids,” Wegela said.

A Downriver lawmakers is sponsoring legislation she said would fix Michigan roads without tax increases or additional debt for the state. The measure advanced by Rep. Rylee Linting, R-Grosse Ile, supports a proposal by Speaker Matt hall to provide more than $3 billion each year for road improvements.

“Everyone who drives around locally for more than about two minutes can see the state of some of our roads,” said Linting. “Unfortunately, local and county road agencies don’t always have the resources they need to fill those potholes or repave a street that needs it…

“It’s time for that to change.”

The proposal was referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for consideration.

Michigan health care providers will be required to keep electronic health records only on sites in the United States and Canada under a proposal by Rep. Jamie Thompson, R-Brownstown.

The measure covering patient medical information is intended to safeguard the records and finances of Michigan residents.

“It’s urgent that we act now to update our laws as cyber-attacks and widescale breaches become more prevalent,” Thompson said. “If these attacks come from one of our foreign adversaries and this data ended up in their hands, the results could be tragic.”

Thompson said more than 800 such breaches are under investigation by the federal government.

What they are saying

“We are so grateful for the outpouring of support we’ve received as our family enters this new chapter of our lives,’ – Sen. Darrin Camilleri, D-Trenton, commenting for himself and his wife, Lama Alzuhd-Camilleri, on the birth of their first child, Laith Darrin. “We want to especially thank our amazing doctors and nurses in the labor and delivery unit at Corewell Trenton, who took such good care of us.”

“Fascism thrives on fear, silence and division; we will not be afraid, we will not be silenced and we will stand together,” – Rep. Dylan Wegela, D-Garden City, in letter to constituents. “At a recent protest, I spoke out against what I believe to be the unconstitutional and authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. I will always push against hate, authoritarianism and any attempt to strip away our rights.”

“My husband and I are legal guardians to three of our four grandchildren after our daughter tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident in 2021,” – Rep. Jamie Thompson, R-Brownstown, on Community Volunteer Day and recognizing Yatooma’s Foundation For The Kids, a non-profit organization that provides guidance, stability and financial assistance to families with children who have lost one or both parents.

“We know firsthand how difficult, emotional and mentally taxing it can be for children to lose a parent, and sadly this happens every day across our state and our country. These groups have helped support young people and families like ours in times of immense need, and we are truly grateful.”

Yatooma’s Foundation For The Kids provides guidance, stability and financial assistance to families with children who have lost one or both parents. The foundation was founded on March 11, 2003, to honor the memory of the late Manuel S. Yatooma, a loving father of four who was tragically murdered 10 years prior.

“No one can replace a lost parent. But we are extremely thankful for these groups and their hardworking staffs who go out of their way to minimize the hurt, bring tenderness to tragedy and help pave the way for positive futures for kids,” Thompson said. “This incredible work and the work of all volunteers throughout our state deserves our gratitude.