Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation aimed at supporting Michigan’s first responders and streamlining disaster response. The two bills passed the House and Senate with unanimous bipartisan support and take immediate effect.
Key Points:
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- The legislation was introduced by Representative Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) and Brian BeGole (R-Morrice).
- It resolves certain statutory hurdles for the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), a statewide mutual aid agreement that mobilizes fire, EMS, and specialized emergency response teams during major disasters and regional crises.
- It exempts qualified MABAS personnel operating authorized emergency vehicles from commercial driver’s license requirements, provided they meet certain training standards.
- It officially designates MABAS vehicles operated during interlocal emergencies as authorized emergency vehicles, allowing them to use flashing red, white, amber, and green lights on the road and at emergency sites to ensure safe navigation.
