LANSING (WKZO-AM) – While Senate Leader Arlan Meekhof has decided not to take up controversial House bills that would require voter I.D. and impose stiffer fines on protestors, a few bills have made it through to the Governor’s desk as the Lame Duck session is winding down.
A measure that will allow pharmacists to dispense a drug that reverses the effects of a heroin overdose without a prescription was sent off to the Governor with bi-partisan support.
Also headed the Governor’s way is a bill that will allow more gas stations to sell alcohol. Groups that oppose drunken driving fought the bill for obvious reasons but it cleared the senate 35 to 1.
Also flying its way to the Governor’s desk is legislation setting up a 27-member Task Force to recommend regulations and restrictions on drones.
The Lame Duck legislature has also sent a bill to Governor Snyder’s desk to hike the speed limit on about 600 miles of interstate to 75 mph. It would also increase the limit on 900 miles of U.S. Or “M” numbered highways from 55 to 65 MPH, but it won’t have much impact on speeds in southern Michigan.
The bills are directed at making it easier to cross the vast unpopulated expanses in the Upper Peninsula and the Northern part of the Lower Peninsula.
Sponsor Brad Jacobson says the package also includes provisions that would lower the limits on gravel roads and give school officials more leeway on setting school zones.
The State Police would be given a year to determine whichyroads can safely handle the higher speeds.
Finally Hot Pink may be the new Hunter’s orange.
Both houses have approved a measure that will require that the Natural Resources Commission study other colors, including hot pink, to find an alternative to hunter’s orange that will work as well or better. They have until next October to make a recommendation.
There are two more days left in the Lame Duck session.
