LANSING, Mich. (WILX/WNEM/WLUC) – Lawmakers are considering proposed legislation that aims to pump the brakes on people speeding through school zones.

Members of the House Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee Wednesday moved HB 4921 and HB 5726 to the floor for a vote. The bills would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow for speed detection systems in school zones.

Bill sponsor, Rep. John Fitzgerald (D), Wyoming, said despite posted signs and, in some cases, even radar detectors alerting people of their speed, some people still drive too fast through school zones. Some reports show around 100 schoolchildren are injured every year in school zones. A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from 2010-2019 shows in that span, an average of 20 people are killed every year in school zones. Something Rep. Fitzgerald is hoping his legislation will change.

“These kids are walking to school, riding their bikes, maybe riding their skateboards to school. But we also have a number of major roadways and busy streets that these children are contesting with on their way to school, and we want to make sure motorists are operating their vehicle in a safe manner in school zones,” Rep. Fitzgerald said.

Committee members discussed the proposal Wednesday, which would allow local governments to install Point-to-Point cameras to capture a driver’s average speed in school zones. Following a 30-day public awareness campaign, drivers who are 10 miles per hour over the speed limit will receive a fine in the mail of up to $150.

“This is not going to fit every community, but if a community decides this is the right fit for them, I really think this is an opportunity for local governments to have local control over an issue that [would help] in any community whether it be rural, urban or suburban,” Rep. Fitzgerald explained.

One lawmaker, Rep. Brad Paquette (R), Niles, voted against the bill, saying the focus should be on what’s happening inside schools. While other concerns raised during testimony included how the bill could impact local libraries and courts. Revenue generated from speed detection systems would instead go towards funding the system itself. East Lansing resident Charlie Mack, who lives in a school zone, said he doesn’t like the proposed law. He believes police, not cameras, are the answer to speeders.

“It’s a little too big, brother,” Mack said. “I think the [radar detectors] help but definitely takes just one or two police cars out there, and everyone gets the message,” Mack said.

Rep. Fitzgerald pointed out that speed detection systems would free up law enforcement for other issues.

If the law does pass, Michigan would join 20 other states and territories that use speed detection systems. Local governments that use speed cameras will have to post signs in school zones letting drivers know a speed detection system is in use.

The bill now heads to the full House of Representatives for a vote where more changes could be made.

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LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – On Monday, May 27, we honor and remember service members who sacrificed their lives for our country. Cities and towns throughout Mid-Michigan will be holding ceremonies and remembrance events to recognize the holiday.

News 10 compiled a list of Memorial Day events happening throughout Mid-Michigan:

City of Lansing

There will be a Memorial Day Ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery, located at 2600 E Mount Hope Avenue, at Little Arlington on May 25 at 12 p.m.

City of East Lansing

The City of East Lansing and Lansing-based Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines is holding a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the fallen military members on May 22 at 11 a.m. at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center’s Medal of Honor Memorial and Veterans Monument, located at 819 Abbot Road.

Michigan State University will be holding a memorial to students who sacrificed their lives during World War I at the Grove of the Great War Memorial on campus at 5 p.m. on May 23

Public offices in East Lansing are closed in recognition of Memorial Day.

Ingham County

Webberville will be holding a 5K run/walk throughout the village. The course begins on Main Street in front of the party store. The packet pick-up for the race will begin at 7 a.m. on May 27. The race begins at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $30. Families or groups of four or more who sign up at the same time will be $20 per person. Children 14 and under are $15. All proceeds will benefit Webberville High School student scholarships and the cross-country team.

Meridian Township will hold a Memorial Day service on May 27 at 11 a.m. at the Glendale Ceremony, located at 2500 Mount Hope Road in Okemos. During the ceremony, the Meridian Community Band will provide musical tribute selections, local Scout troops will lead the Color Guard, and a special presentation will be given.

Eaton County

Grand Ledge will be holding a Memorial Day Parade and ceremony on May 25 at 11 a.m.

Shiawassee County

The Village of Vernon will be holding a Memorial Day parade at Greenwood Cemetery on May 27 at 11:30 a.m.

Jackson County

The American Legion will hold an Honorable Service Recognition Ceremony for the veteran resident at the Countryside Grand Retirement Facility at 2140 Robinson Road in Jackson. The BBQ will be at 11 a.m., and the ceremony will be at 1 p.m. on May 23.

The Cascades will hold a Memorial Day fireworks show on May 25. Gates will open at 6 p.m., Live entertainment will be provided at 6:30 p.m., and Fireworks will start at dusk. Admission for ages 13 and up is $7, children ages 4 to 12 cost $4, and seniors ages 65 and up cost $5.

The Jackson’s Veterans Council will be holding a Memorial Day Procession at 10 a.m. on May 27 at the corner of Michigan and Jackson. It will end at Mt. Evergreen Cemetery, where there will be a ceremony to follow.

Spring Arbor Township will hold its 49th annual Memorial Day parade on May 27. The memorial service begins at 12 p.m., and the parade starts at 1 p.m.

News 10 is actively updating this article as we search for more events. Are you holding a Memorial Day ceremony that is open to the public? Let us know by emailing Newstips@wilx.com.

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• Hosts: Tony Garica (@RealTonyGarcia) and Rainer Sabin (@RainerSabin)

• Editor: Robin Chan

• Executive producer: Kirkland Crawford

• Producer: Andrew Birkle

• Email: apgarcia@freepress.com

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