Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills to Protect Michigan Children, Consumers, and Communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2026

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Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills to Protect Michigan Children, Consumers, and Communities

Bills expand education on the risks of cannabis use for kids, prohibit gift card fraud, stop unfair business practices, make government more efficient, and more

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed multiple bipartisan bills, including those to protect Michigan kids from the harmful impacts of illicit drugs, prohibit gift card fraud, and protect vulnerable children from trauma.

"Every Michigander deserves protection from harm and fraud," said Governor Whitmer. "I'm proud to sign these bipartisan bills to help educate Michiganders on the risks of drug use, protect consumers from fraud tactics, and safeguard children from traumatic experiences. Together, we're giving people the tools they need to keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe."

Senate Bill 433, sponsored by state Senator Dayna Polehanki, protects Michigan children by spreading awareness about the risks of tobacco and cannabis use. By requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to create and issue educational materials, parents can better understand the long-term health risks associated with tobacco and cannabis and combat false claims that these products are safe for kids.

"Over the course of my nearly eight years serving in the legislature, I've worked hard to ensure the health and safety of Michigan kids - and today's signing of my bill to better educate parents and guardians on the dangers of youth tobacco and cannabis use continues to build on that progress," said state Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia). "At its core, this legislation is centered on parent empowerment, harm reduction, and child safety. By requiring schools to distribute informational resources on the risks of vapes, nicotine, cannabis, and other illicit products - Michigan parents will be better informed, and Michigan kids will be better protected."

House Bill 5514, sponsored by state Representative Cam Cavitt, protects Michigan children by prohibiting restraints and other undignified measures from being used while transporting a child to a residential treatment program, except during an emergency. By stopping these practices, this bill reduces further traumatic experiences for kids who are receiving care.

"Every child deserves dignity and compassion, especially when they are in crisis and seeking care," said Paris Hilton, Founder of 11:11 Media Impact. "As a survivor of abusive youth transport, I know how terrifying these practices can be, and I have heard that same pain in the stories of Michigan advocates. By signing HB 5514, Governor Whitmer is protecting vulnerable young people from lasting trauma. I am deeply grateful to Governor Whitmer, Representative Cavitt, and the survivors whose courage made this progress possible."

"Today marks a massive victory in protecting Michigan's children and ensuring they are treated with dignity," said state Rep. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan). "This bill establishes clear protections against cruel and dangerous restraint practices, and it gives parents confidence that their children will be safe while receiving the care they need. I'm extremely proud of the bipartisan work that brought this legislation to the finish line, and I thank the governor for signing this bill and standing with Michigan families."

House Bills 4598 and 4599, sponsored by state Representative Mike Harris and state Representative Samantha Steckloff respectively, protects Michigan consumers by prohibiting gift card fraud, a common scam tactic.

House Bill 4301 and 4302, sponsored by state Representative Brian BeGole and state Representative Mike McFall respectively, recognizes the vehicles used by Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System as emergency vehicles, allowing them to be equipped with flashing lights and getting rid of the requirement for the driver to have a commercial driver's license. These changes will allow the emergency vehicles to better protect the public.

Senate Bill 478, sponsored by state Senator Sue Shink, transfers 93 acres of land in Green Oak Township from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for potential use as a readiness center for the Michigan National Guard.

House Bill 4135, sponsored by state Representative Sarah Lightner, allows Jackson County to build its own wastewater treatment facility and save up to $100,000 a year by authorizing the sale of the former Dalton Road Landfill to Jackson County.

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