LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation that expands access to drug treatment options and family support programs through the circuit courts. The new laws establish a family treatment court, which creates a clearer path to programs that address substance abuse, provide oversight on child safety, and grant access to mental health resources. The new laws also provide more opportunities for people to participate in drug treatment programs.   

“When families are facing crises, we must have their backs and connect them with the resources and help that they need to get better,” said Governor Whitmer. “With these commonsense, bipartisan bills, we’re establishing a family treatment court and creating a path to programs that tackle substance use disorder, protect children, and expand access to mental health resources. Let’s keep working together to make a real difference in people’s lives.”   

“Every year, the statistics tell us that treatment courts solve problems and save lives,” said Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden. “Now, experienced trial courts judges who lead family treatment courts will be able to do even more to solve problems and save lives by supporting families who need help and children who need safe, nurturing homes.”   

House Bill 4522, sponsored by state Representative Kelly Breen, gives the circuit courts the power to institute or adopt family treatment courts and framework for family treatment programs.    

“Problem-solving courts are a fantastic model for people in the justice system who don’t need to be sequestered from society. However, the current legal framework for family treatment courts — housed under the drug court statute — doesn’t contain certain key aspects that make the model work,” said state Representative Kelly Breen (D-Novi), chair of the House Judiciary Committee and sponsor of HB 4522. “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.”   

House Bill 4524, sponsored by state Representative Joey Andrews, allows judges to review the circumstances and permit convicted participants of drug treatment programs to continue treatment. Under current law, if a participant in drug court programming is convicted of a felony for an offense that happened after their admittance into the program, their participation must be terminated.    

“The whole idea behind treatment courts — that some people are better served by rehabilitation instead of incarceration — is contradicted by mandatory termination of a person’s participation after a subsequent felony,” said state Representative Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph), sponsor of HB 4524. “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.”   

Governor Whitmer also signed House Bill 4185, sponsored by state Representative Denise Mentzer, and House Bill 4190, sponsored by state Representative Curt VanderWall, which collectively better protect Michigan workers who come into contact with asbestos on the job.   

“I am glad the governor signed this bill into law today. We cannot drastically reduce penalties for companies that cut corners and put their workers and surrounding communities’ health and wellbeing at risk — we must have accountability,” said state Representative Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens), sponsor of House Bill 4185. “There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos, and as a carcinogen, it causes significant long-term health problems and can lead to fatal diseases. This bill enhances protection for Michigan workers and community members.”   

“These bills are about safety. We need to know when contractors have violations or we risk leaving harmful substances in peoples’ homes,” said state Representative Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington). “This simple change will go a long way in ensuring safety in this process.”   

Governor Whitmer also signed House Bills 4979 and 4857 and Senate Bills 57 and 58.   

House Bill 4979, sponsored by state Representative Jenn Hill, cuts bureaucratic red tape by removing a costly requirement for counties to hire a designated assessor. Under the new law, counties can instead provide an interlocal agreement from the board of commissioners. This law provides flexibility and saves money for smaller counties.    

“Counties across our state — including some in the U.P. — have a hard time keeping these assessor positions filled,” said state Representative Jenn Hill (D-Marquette). “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.”   

House Bill 4857, sponsored by state Representative Samantha Steckloff, removes milkweed from the list of noxious or exotic weeds thereby protecting its growth. Milkweed is an essential food source for important pollinators like butterflies, and protecting it protects our food chain.  

“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,” said state Representative Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), sponsor of HB 4857. “Ensuring that milkweed is not classified as a harmful or noxious weed will better preserve it and support these critical pollinators.”   

Senate Bill 57, sponsored by state Senator Stephanie Chang, and Senate Bill 58, sponsored by state Senator Joseph Bellino, prohibit the sale of items used to recreationally inhale nitrous oxide if the seller knows they will be used for those purposes.   

“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. With the governor’s signature today, we have taken another important step to prevent nitrous oxide abuse and keep whip-it paraphernalia off shelves and out of people’s hands,” said state Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). “I am grateful for the support of law enforcement officials as well as the Whippet WipeOut Coalition’s dedication and determination to address whip-it abuse. I appreciate the bipartisan support of my colleagues, our partnership with Sen. Bellino, and Gov. Whitmer for signing the bills.”   

“People are using charging canisters for the sole purpose of getting high,” said state Senator Joe Bellino (R-Monroe). “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.”   

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