(Source: MIRS.news, Published Sept. 7, 2022) Local governments would be banned from decriminalizing public urination, littering and public indecency under legislation introduced Wednesday by Rep. Matt Hall (R-Comstock Township)'s HB 6367.
Any local government that has decriminalized the acts after Jan. 1, 2022, including cities, counties, villages and townships, would have 60 days to reinstate them.
Hall said the reform is a result of several cities decriminalizing public indecency, including Kalamazoo’s change to its code of ordinances that turns the misdemeanor offenses into civil infractions.
“People I talk with, including families with kids and small business owners who depend on their livelihoods, want their communities to be healthy and safe,” Hall said. “People don’t want to see trash laying all over. They don’t want to walk around human waste on the sidewalk.
"They want the areas they live in to be vibrant so they can remain great areas to live, work and attract new job opportunities,” he added.
The bill has been referred to the House Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee.
Another bill introduced this week was
HB 6366, introduced by Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), which would allow Michiganders to receive a 12-month supply of contraceptive birth control at one time.
Rogers said she introduced the bill to ensure access to contraceptives following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs.
“As a health care provider, I understand that people deserve access to adequate health care, and a year's supply of contraceptives will help ensure continuous and consistent use,” Rogers said. “This is a proven policy that will improve the lives of Michigan residents and lower health care costs.
Rogers said 12 months of access will help Michiganders who have demanding schedules.
“It is essential for individuals in this state that we remove barriers to birth control and ensure a consistent and readily accessible supply,” she said. “For people who work, go to school, raise children or have other demanding schedules, a 12-month supply of birth control will eliminate the burden of making a trip to the pharmacy every month or every three months.”
The bill has received support from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan. It has been referred to the House Committee on Rules and Competitiveness.
