LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed a package of bipartisan bills aimed at bolstering public safety and protecting vulnerable residents across Michigan. The legislation expands emergency alert systems for missing children with special needs and vulnerable adults, enhances protections against abuse and exploitation, and supports first responders.
The new laws include Rowan’s Act (House Bills 4517 and 4518), which broadens Michigan’s Amber Alert system to quickly notify the public about missing children with special needs or any child believed to be in danger. State Representative Jerry Neyer and State Representative Angela Rigas sponsored these bills. Brandi Morey-Pols, Founder & CEO of The Rowan Project, whose son inspired the act, said, “No parent should ever be told that their child doesn’t qualify for an emergency alert because of a gap in the law. Rowan’s Act was born from the unimaginable loss of my six-year-old son, Rowan Morey, and from the belief that no other family should have to endure what ours has.” Additionally, Senate Bill 456, sponsored by State Senator Mallory McMorrow, establishes a statewide Silver Alert system for missing seniors and vulnerable adults.
Further protections for vulnerable adults come from Senate Bill 585, requiring court review of property appraisals before approving sales of a protected person’s home, and Senate Bill 586, mandating court approval for guardians to move incapacitated individuals. Both bills were recommendations from the Michigan Department of Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Task Force. The Children Trust Michigan Board also sees its structure and oversight updated through Senate Bills 418, 421, and House Bills 4805, 4808, strengthening support for child abuse and neglect prevention programs. Suzanne Greenberg, Executive Director of Children Trust Michigan, said, “The passage of SB 418, SB 421, HB 4805, and HB 4808 is a powerful reminder that the best way to protect children is to prevent harm before it occurs.”
First responders who serve in the military or National Guard will now receive at least 26 days of paid military leave annually, thanks to House Bills 5232 and 5233, sponsored by State Representative Matt Koleszar and State Representative Ron Robinson. This ensures they can serve without losing income or using vacation time. Security at critical infrastructure is also enhanced, with Senate Bill 71 designating nonpublic areas of the Mackinac Bridge as a protected key facility, making trespassing a felony. Michigan Department of Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich said, “On behalf of the Mackinac Bridge Authority and the department, I want to thank Sen. Damoose for his perseverance on this bill, which affords greater protections to what many would say is our state’s most iconic structure.”
Other signed bills include House Bill 5995, which prevents points from being added to a driver’s record for certain automated camera traffic violations, and House Bill 4471, allowing retired county employees to return to sheriff’s or prosecutor's offices without losing pension benefits. Memorial highway and bridge designations were also approved to honor local veterans and public servants.
Governor Whitmer's FY27 budget continues to prioritize public safety, allocating $1.6 billion for revenue sharing, $123.1 million for offender success services, $50 million for public safety grants, $1.9 million for the Victim Support Program, and $1.7 million for the OK2Say student safety program, reinforcing the state's commitment to a safer Michigan.