Senator Jim Stamas (R-Midland), chair
of the Joint Select Committee on the Flint Water Public Health Emergency,
announced the committee will conclude for now and will only meet with one
another to discuss policy recommendations, which he hopes to issue by the end
of the month.
Mr. Stamas commented he feels the
residents deserve action on solutions to begin, and will only convene to
discuss and debate any matters that arise between now and the issuance of the committee’s
own recommendations. Primarily, discussions of changing the state’s emergency
manager law have been discussed along with infrastructure investment and
ensuring proper accountability for the executive branch and state departments.
Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint) and Representative Jeff Irwin
(D-Ann Arbor) both expressed displeasure in the committee effectively
concluding the public testimony. Both feel more work needs to be done. However,
Senator Ananich did comment he understood Mr. Stamas’ reasonings.
The House Judiciary Committee heard
testimony on two Flint-inspired bills that prohibit a public employee from
intentionally altering data, and instituting criminal penalties for doing so.
Some members on the committee questioned whether these bills were too broad to
be effective.
HB 5588 and HB 5589, were introduced by Representative
Phil Phelps (D-Flushing) and Representative Klint Kesto (R-Commerce Township), once
they discovered there was nothing in state law prohibiting a public employee
from intentionally altering, tampering, or destroying data. The bills aim to
make these actions, along with the intent to mislead someone, a felony
punishable by imprisonment of five years or less and up to a $5,000 fine. The
bills will not include a research report or infringe on whistleblower
protections, according to Representative Kesto.
Representative Martin Howrylak
(R-Troy) believes the language in these bills is far too broad, to which Mr.
Kesto responded the intent of the actor and purpose are specific.
Representative Rose Mary Robinson (D-Detroit) also agreed on the vagueness of
the terms used, where Representative Kurt Heise (R-Plymouth) questioned the
need, as Attorney General Bill Schuette is pressing charges against those
involved in the Flint water crisis. Representative Phelps responded had these
laws been in place, it would have made it easier to hold those individuals
accountable.