The Michigan House has approved a bill Rep. Bradley Slagh reintroduced this year to better protect private property owners against unauthorized trespassing on their land.
Slagh, R-Zeeland, first introduced the plan last term, but it was stalled in the Senate, despite receiving bipartisan support in the House.
The representative said the legislation was inspired by concerns raised by local residents who had trouble receiving assistance from law enforcement following instances of trespassing.
“Despite posting a significant number of ‘no trespassing’ signs along the boundaries of their property, property owners in my area have struggled to get law enforcement to prosecute,” Slagh said.
“Officers often claim there is insufficient signage based on the wording in the current law and are unable to justify bringing charges against the offenders.”
Current Michigan law requires that a property owner post signs so they are “spaced to enable a person to observe not less than 1 sign at any point of entry upon the property.” The Department of Natural Resources interprets a point of entry as any opening in a tree line.
“It’s simply not practical,” Slagh said. “That could mean a sign is required to be placed on every tree along the property line, even if the openings are very close together. We need to make some commonsense changes to this law.”
Slagh’s legislation would clarify that signs must be posted at intervals of not more than 250 feet along the boundary, providing a clear, attainable, and reasonable standard for both property owners and law enforcement so the recreational trespassing law can be enforced as intended.
House Bill 4013 was approved 103-1 and again moves to be considered by the state Senate.
Slagh, R-Zeeland, first introduced the plan last term, but it was stalled in the Senate, despite receiving bipartisan support in the House.
The representative said the legislation was inspired by concerns raised by local residents who had trouble receiving assistance from law enforcement following instances of trespassing.
“Despite posting a significant number of ‘no trespassing’ signs along the boundaries of their property, property owners in my area have struggled to get law enforcement to prosecute,” Slagh said.
“Officers often claim there is insufficient signage based on the wording in the current law and are unable to justify bringing charges against the offenders.”
Current Michigan law requires that a property owner post signs so they are “spaced to enable a person to observe not less than 1 sign at any point of entry upon the property.” The Department of Natural Resources interprets a point of entry as any opening in a tree line.
“It’s simply not practical,” Slagh said. “That could mean a sign is required to be placed on every tree along the property line, even if the openings are very close together. We need to make some commonsense changes to this law.”
Slagh’s legislation would clarify that signs must be posted at intervals of not more than 250 feet along the boundary, providing a clear, attainable, and reasonable standard for both property owners and law enforcement so the recreational trespassing law can be enforced as intended.
House Bill 4013 was approved 103-1 and again moves to be considered by the state Senate.
National Work Zone Awareness Week Reminder
Last year, 16 people lost their lives in Michigan work zones, including three workers. These preliminary statistics also reveal more than 6,000 work zone crashes in 2024.
How many of these tragedies could've been avoided with basic, focused driving? Every driver plays a part. Every road and bridge crew has a vital role. Every work zone needs to be respected.
This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week. This year's theme is, "Respect the zone so we all get home."
NWZAW has been observed for more than 20 years and was launched as a public awareness campaign to help everyone understand they play a key role in keeping motorists and roadway workers safe.
"The statistics are alarming, and we can do better as we fix and update Michigan's aging infrastructure," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. "What's more important than getting home safely to your loved ones? Driving is a privilege, and every work zone needs to be respected so we all make it home."
All road agencies in Michigan, including the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), county road commissions and cities throughout the state, are working diligently every day to fix our old roads and bridges. Drivers need to respect these workers by focusing, staying alert and remaining vigilant behind the wheel. In 2024, preliminary work zone crash information shows that there were:
• 16 fatalities,
• 1,065 work zone injuries and
• 6,097 total crashes.
Road and bridges need work, but there are also work zones above and below the roads to address fiber optic, water, sanitation, natural gas and electricity.
MDOT reminds everyone to know before you go. Check Michigan.gov/Drive for updates on every work zone in the state on I, M and US routes.
How many of these tragedies could've been avoided with basic, focused driving? Every driver plays a part. Every road and bridge crew has a vital role. Every work zone needs to be respected.
This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week. This year's theme is, "Respect the zone so we all get home."
NWZAW has been observed for more than 20 years and was launched as a public awareness campaign to help everyone understand they play a key role in keeping motorists and roadway workers safe.
"The statistics are alarming, and we can do better as we fix and update Michigan's aging infrastructure," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. "What's more important than getting home safely to your loved ones? Driving is a privilege, and every work zone needs to be respected so we all make it home."
All road agencies in Michigan, including the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), county road commissions and cities throughout the state, are working diligently every day to fix our old roads and bridges. Drivers need to respect these workers by focusing, staying alert and remaining vigilant behind the wheel. In 2024, preliminary work zone crash information shows that there were:
• 16 fatalities,
• 1,065 work zone injuries and
• 6,097 total crashes.
Road and bridges need work, but there are also work zones above and below the roads to address fiber optic, water, sanitation, natural gas and electricity.
MDOT reminds everyone to know before you go. Check Michigan.gov/Drive for updates on every work zone in the state on I, M and US routes.
Slagh to Host Office Hours
State Rep. Bradley Slagh, R-Zeeland, invites local residents to join him during his office hours in Jenison, Hudsonville, and Zeeland on Friday.
Rep. Slagh will be available at the following times and locations:
• 7–8 a.m. at Big Apple Bagel, 306 Baldwin St., Jenison
• 8:30–9:30 a.m. at Arrows Restaurant, 4225 32nd Ave., Hudsonville
• 10–11 a.m. at Community Restaurant, 421 E. Main Ave., Zeeland
In addition to hearing from the people he represents, the representative said he looks forward to answering questions on legislative action, including information about his bill to protect private property owners from trespassers, which was approved by the House last week.
Slagh mentioned that he “values the opportunity to listen to his neighbors in the 85th District as these conversations guide much of my work in the legislature.”
No appointments are necessary to attend office hours. Those unable to attend at these scheduled times but would still like an opportunity to talk with Rep. Slagh may call his office at (517) 373-0841 or email Bradley Slagh@house.mi.gov.
Rep. Slagh will be available at the following times and locations:
• 7–8 a.m. at Big Apple Bagel, 306 Baldwin St., Jenison
• 8:30–9:30 a.m. at Arrows Restaurant, 4225 32nd Ave., Hudsonville
• 10–11 a.m. at Community Restaurant, 421 E. Main Ave., Zeeland
In addition to hearing from the people he represents, the representative said he looks forward to answering questions on legislative action, including information about his bill to protect private property owners from trespassers, which was approved by the House last week.
Slagh mentioned that he “values the opportunity to listen to his neighbors in the 85th District as these conversations guide much of my work in the legislature.”
No appointments are necessary to attend office hours. Those unable to attend at these scheduled times but would still like an opportunity to talk with Rep. Slagh may call his office at (517) 373-0841 or email Bradley Slagh@house.mi.gov.
Peters Reintroduces Bill to Incentivize Community Policing
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., has reintroduced bipartisan legislation that aims to strengthen the relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve by incentivizing recruits to work in the communities where they live.
The Strong Communities Act – which Peters introduced with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Tex. – would provide federal grants for local law enforcement recruits who agree to attend school or academy and then serve in a law enforcement agency in their respective communities. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate in 2023.
“By incentivizing officers to work in the communities they call home, we can build trust between local law enforcement and the citizens they work to keep safe,” Peters said. “This bipartisan bill would make progress to strengthen our communities while also helping to recruit officers in our most in-demand communities.”
Many communities across the country are facing both a law enforcement recruitment and a trust crisis. The Strong Communities Act aims to help facilitate improved relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
This legislation would make recruits eligible to receiving funding from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, which can be used to decrease the financial burden of education and training programs. In return, applicants would be required to serve as a full-time public safety officer for at least four years and complete their service in a local law enforcement agency located within seven miles of their residence, where they have resided for at least five years. Or, if the recruit resides in a county with less than 150,000 residents, the recruit could serve within 20 miles of their residence, where the applicant has resided for at least five years.
“The Police Officers Association of Michigan is proud to support Sen. Peters’ bipartisan Strong Communities Act that would reinvigorate community policing,” said Kenneth E. Grabowski, Legislative Director of the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM). “This commonsense bill would strengthen law enforcement agencies’ efforts to recruit officers locally and help police officers build relationships and trust with the communities and people they work to serve and protect.”
“This legislation helps build on the community-policing model and, we hope, will help us address the recruiting crisis in law enforcement,” said Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police. “The bill establishes a grant program for local law enforcement agencies to assist in recruiting officers from their own community. The program created in this bill will allow recipient agencies to pay for recruits to attend a law enforcement training program provided that they serve in an agency in their community for at least four years. This will help local agencies recruit candidates from their own backyard and reduce the financial burden of their education and training to be law enforcement officers.”
The Strong Communities Act – which Peters introduced with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Tex. – would provide federal grants for local law enforcement recruits who agree to attend school or academy and then serve in a law enforcement agency in their respective communities. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate in 2023.
“By incentivizing officers to work in the communities they call home, we can build trust between local law enforcement and the citizens they work to keep safe,” Peters said. “This bipartisan bill would make progress to strengthen our communities while also helping to recruit officers in our most in-demand communities.”
Many communities across the country are facing both a law enforcement recruitment and a trust crisis. The Strong Communities Act aims to help facilitate improved relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
This legislation would make recruits eligible to receiving funding from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, which can be used to decrease the financial burden of education and training programs. In return, applicants would be required to serve as a full-time public safety officer for at least four years and complete their service in a local law enforcement agency located within seven miles of their residence, where they have resided for at least five years. Or, if the recruit resides in a county with less than 150,000 residents, the recruit could serve within 20 miles of their residence, where the applicant has resided for at least five years.
“The Police Officers Association of Michigan is proud to support Sen. Peters’ bipartisan Strong Communities Act that would reinvigorate community policing,” said Kenneth E. Grabowski, Legislative Director of the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM). “This commonsense bill would strengthen law enforcement agencies’ efforts to recruit officers locally and help police officers build relationships and trust with the communities and people they work to serve and protect.”
“This legislation helps build on the community-policing model and, we hope, will help us address the recruiting crisis in law enforcement,” said Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police. “The bill establishes a grant program for local law enforcement agencies to assist in recruiting officers from their own community. The program created in this bill will allow recipient agencies to pay for recruits to attend a law enforcement training program provided that they serve in an agency in their community for at least four years. This will help local agencies recruit candidates from their own backyard and reduce the financial burden of their education and training to be law enforcement officers.”
MEDC Announces Assistance to Ice Storm-Impacted Communities
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has announced more than $1 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to assist in the recovery efforts in northern Michigan to ensure affected residents and communities receive the support and relief they need.
“Northern Michigan’s historic ice storms tested the grit and resiliency of our friends and neighbors. As always, Michiganders passed with flying colors and have united the entire state to help the region overcome an incredible disaster. As part of Team Michigan, we are pleased to play a role in the ongoing recovery and cleanup efforts to help get the power back on, clear roads, and keep people safe,” MEDC Chief Executive Officer Quentin L. Messer Jr. said.
“These funds will help support recovery efforts in impacted communities. As the work continues, our thoughts and prayers remain with our impacted fellow Michiganders.”
The storm caused widespread power outages, including loss of backup generators, loss of phone and cellular services, and impassable roads due to downed trees and other debris in eleven counties in northern Michigan. Though response efforts are still underway, the region suffered significant consequences from these conditions.
“The CDBG funding from MEDC will provide critical financial support for both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts to assist in restoring infrastructure, supporting local economies, and assisting with housing and public facility needs,” Otsego County Emergency Management Coordinator Jon Deming said.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency that made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated areas. Working in partnership with the Michigan State Police, $792,000 in CDBG funding will support the purchase of 30 generators, along with related costs, to 11 counties, each of which will receive $72,000.
Counties to receive support include Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle.
In addition, Montmorency County will receive $72,000 in CDBG funding to support the purchase of thirty generators, along with related costs, and $200,000 for food assistance to communities impacted by the disaster.
Funding will be leveraged by each of the counties to identify approximately 5 communities that were the hardest hit and within those communities prioritizing those businesses that provide health and safety services to most residents.
“We had linemen from across the country up here helping with relief efforts,” said state Rep. Ken Borton, R-Gaylord. “Many of them have worked category five hurricanes; they said this was worse. The widespread damage we saw was unprecedented. We still have thousands of people who don’t have power and many who can’t get to their homes. I appreciate the MEDC for doing what they can to help our rural communities; we need all the help we can get.”
“Northern Michigan’s historic ice storms tested the grit and resiliency of our friends and neighbors. As always, Michiganders passed with flying colors and have united the entire state to help the region overcome an incredible disaster. As part of Team Michigan, we are pleased to play a role in the ongoing recovery and cleanup efforts to help get the power back on, clear roads, and keep people safe,” MEDC Chief Executive Officer Quentin L. Messer Jr. said.
“These funds will help support recovery efforts in impacted communities. As the work continues, our thoughts and prayers remain with our impacted fellow Michiganders.”
The storm caused widespread power outages, including loss of backup generators, loss of phone and cellular services, and impassable roads due to downed trees and other debris in eleven counties in northern Michigan. Though response efforts are still underway, the region suffered significant consequences from these conditions.
“The CDBG funding from MEDC will provide critical financial support for both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts to assist in restoring infrastructure, supporting local economies, and assisting with housing and public facility needs,” Otsego County Emergency Management Coordinator Jon Deming said.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency that made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated areas. Working in partnership with the Michigan State Police, $792,000 in CDBG funding will support the purchase of 30 generators, along with related costs, to 11 counties, each of which will receive $72,000.
Counties to receive support include Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle.
In addition, Montmorency County will receive $72,000 in CDBG funding to support the purchase of thirty generators, along with related costs, and $200,000 for food assistance to communities impacted by the disaster.
Funding will be leveraged by each of the counties to identify approximately 5 communities that were the hardest hit and within those communities prioritizing those businesses that provide health and safety services to most residents.
“We had linemen from across the country up here helping with relief efforts,” said state Rep. Ken Borton, R-Gaylord. “Many of them have worked category five hurricanes; they said this was worse. The widespread damage we saw was unprecedented. We still have thousands of people who don’t have power and many who can’t get to their homes. I appreciate the MEDC for doing what they can to help our rural communities; we need all the help we can get.”
