Disabilities: other; penalties for certain violations to provision in use of travel aids by blind persons act; increase. Amends secs. 1a & 3 of 1937 PA 10 (MCL 752.51a & 752.53).
Impact
The proposed bill introduces stricter penalties for violations that harm blind individuals or their guide dogs. Specifically, it establishes that causing injury to a blind person or their guide dog can result in a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison or fines of up to $1,000. Furthermore, if the injury leads to death, it escalates the offense to a felony with severe penalties of up to 15 years in prison or fines reaching $7,500. This legislative change is significant as it shows a robust commitment to protecting the blind community's rights while emphasizing the responsibility of society to uphold these protections.
Summary
House Bill 5405 is an amendment to the 1937 PA 10, focused on the use of travel aids by blind persons in Michigan. This bill aims to enhance protections for visually impaired individuals by defining key terms related to travel aids and outlining penalties for violations. It specifies definitions for 'blind', 'cane', 'crosswalk', 'dog guide', and 'walker' to clarify the legal language surrounding the use of assistive devices. The bill also invokes certain provisions intended to ensure the safety and rights of blind pedestrians.
Contention
Although the bill is aimed at enhancing safety for blind individuals, it could face contention regarding its enforcement and implications on public awareness. Critics may argue that simply increasing penalties may not be enough to change societal attitudes towards blind pedestrians and their right to navigate freely and safely in public spaces. Additionally, the definitions provided might be scrutinized for their adequacy and practical application on the streets, especially in terms of public understanding of blindness and the use of travel aids.
Disabilities: other; penalties for certain violations to provision in use of travel aids by blind persons act; increase. Amends secs. 1a & 3 of 1937 PA 10 (MCL 752.51a & 752.53).
Disabilities: other; penalties for certain violations to provision in use of travel aids by blind persons act; increase. Amends secs. 1a, 2 & 3 of 1937 PA 10 (MCL 752.51a et seq.).
Disabilities: other; penalties for certain violations to provision in use of travel aids by blind persons act; increase. Amends sec. 1a, 2 & 3 of 1937 PA 10 (MCL 752.51a et seq.).
Traffic control: accidents; penalties for moving violation causing physical injury or death to a vulnerable roadway user; enhance. Amends secs. 303, 320a, 601c & 653a of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.303 et seq.); adds secs. 79g & 79h & repeals sec. 653b of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.653b). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4335'25
Traffic control: accidents; penalties for moving violation causing physical injury or death to a vulnerable roadway user; enhance. Amends secs. 303, 320a, 601c & 653a of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.303 et seq.); adds secs. 79g & 79h & repeals sec. 653b of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.653b). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0217'25
Labor: health and safety; provisions related to civil penalties; modify with respect to repeated violations and asbestos-related violations. Amends secs. 4, 35 & 36 of 1974 PA 154 (MCL 408.1004 et seq.).
Animals: dogs; penalties for stealing or holding a dog; increase. Amends 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.1 - 750.568) by adding sec. 357c & repeals sec. 8 of 1939 PA 309 (MCL 287.308).
Animals: dogs; penalties for stealing or holding a dog; increase. Amends 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.1 - 750.568) by adding sec. 357c & repeals sec. 8 of 1939 PA 309 (MCL 287.308).