Lansing Sun

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed two initiatives that will help airport officials mitigate drug activity at airports.

House Bills 4631 and 4632 allow for law enforcement to confiscate property and cash linked to drug activity if the value is over $20,000; a recent press release from the governor’s office said. 

“This bill will help ensure that law enforcement and airport security officers have the tools to stop drug traffickers from coming into Michigan,” Rep. Graham Filler (R-DeWitt) said in the release. “My thanks to the governor for signing this important legislation that will improve public safety."

Filler spearheaded House Bill 4631 and Rep. Alex Garza (D-Taylor) led House Bill 4632, the release said.

“Michigan is a safer place to live today thanks to Governor Whitmer signing my House Bill 4632,” Garza said in the release. “Drug traffickers will now think twice before trying to profit off the lives of our residents. I am extremely happy this legislation has now become law.”

In addition, Whitmer signed House Bill 4953, which will create awareness of job opportunities available to students graduating from high school, the release said. The Michigan Department of Education will cultivate a program that will notify public schools of what careers are available to their students.

“As our students make important life choices about what to do after high school, it’s vital to ensure they are well-informed of their options,” Rep. David Martin (R-Davidson), sponsor of House Bill 4953, said in the release. “Not all paths to success hinge on a four-year college degree.”

"Every child in this state deserves a phenomenal public education and a path to a high-wage job,” Whitmer said. “I have made historic investments in our public schools without raising taxes to give every kid in every community an opportunity to pursue their potential. We will continue finding ways to put our kids on track to graduate and pursue postsecondary education, skills training, or good-paying jobs."