Dear Neighbor,
I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying the summer sun!
While my last newsletter focused on the budget, I wanted to take a moment to also share some policy wins that took place during the spring legislative session. Below, you’ll see updates on some of my favorite pieces of legislation I’ve introduced this term:
Working for you,
Kevin HertelState SenatorDistrict 12
Codifying the Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is one of the most important pieces of legislation I’ll see passed in my lifetime. But with ongoing court challenges to the federal law, more states are acting to codify the law’s protections in state statute. I was proud to join with my colleagues in introducing Senate Bills 356-358 to enshrine ACA protections in Michigan law. This legislation has passed out of the Senate and awaits action in the House Committee on Insurance and Financial Services in the fall.
Protecting Organ Donors
I introduced Senate Bill 384 to help protect living organ donors from discrimination in receiving life, disability, or long-term care insurance due to their status as a donor. This legislation has passed out of the Senate, getting it one step closer to the Governor’s desk. Additionally, this month in Health Policy, we passed legislation to allow Michigan residents to opt into the organ donor registry on their tax forms, as well as at the Secretary of State when renewing an ID. We also voted out a bill to permit medical providers to discuss the organ, tissue and bone marrow registries with patients. Becoming an organ donor is a small step each Michigander can take to help improve the lives of others, and these pieces of legislation will make it easier for people to register or make a living donation.
Passing Teddy’s Law
Many of you have been following the saga of Teddy’s Law, a bill I first introduced in 2019 that would provide for dogs and cats used in animal testing to be put up for adoption following their time in the lab. While the bill has stalled out in previous sessions, this term we have already passed the legislation out of the first chamber! I look forward to working with my House colleagues on getting this legislation across the finish line, and I want to thank my colleagues for voting to include funding for the bill in this year’s budget so that when the legislation is passed, we can hit the ground running on getting it implemented.
New Distracted Driving Laws in Effect
On June 7, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of bills requiring the use of hands-free technology while driving beginning on June 30, 2023. As one of the sponsors of this legislation, I believe it is critical to bring our laws regarding cell phones up to date with their current usage. While the state already had a texting ban on the books, these bills recognize that phones are also used for video conferencing, social media and taking photos— all activities that can wait until you’re not behind the wheel. The legislation provides for civil penalties for first and second offenses, with a third offense in three years requiring the offender to take a refresher driving course. If you’re interested in learning more about this legislation, please visit Michigan.gov/DistractedDriving.
District Events
It is one of my top goals as your State Senator to have myself and my office as accessible to you as possible. To share your thoughts on legislation or seek assistance with an issue, please join me at one of our upcoming district events:
Coffee and Conversation with Senator HertelWHEN: Friday, August 18, 2023 from 11 am – 12 pmWHERE: District Office, 28800 Harper, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48081
District Office Hours with StaffWHEN: Every Thursday from 9 am – 5 pm and by appointmentWHERE: District Office, 28800 Harper, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48081
Additionally, if you are involved in a nonprofit doing service work in our community over the next few months, please let us know! Team Hertel would love to support the work you’re doing to keep our Lakeshore District the wonderful place it is to live, work and play. It has been great to meet so many of you through community events and the legislative doors we’ve been working on this summer, and I hope to see you again soon.