North Michigan News

Legislation sponsored by Sen. John Damoose to improve security at state airports was recently signed into law. The bill, known as Senate Bill 22, was designed to close potential loopholes and enhance safety and security at Michigan airports.

Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, expressed his satisfaction with the new law, stating, "This is an important, commonsense update that closes potential loopholes and will improve security and safety at Michigan airports. I am proud to have offered a bill that garnered strong bipartisan support and solves an issue that was brought to our attention — this is how good legislation should work."

Under the new law, the definition of an airport "sterile area" in the Aeronautics Code has been modified to align with federal guidelines. The law now prohibits individuals from possessing or carrying firearms, explosives, knives, razors, box cutters, similarly bladed items, or dangerous weapons in the sterile area of a commercial airport.

An airport "sterile area" is defined as an area in the airport security program that provides passengers access to an aircraft and is generally controlled by the U.S. Transportation and Security Administration or by an aircraft operator. This typically includes spaces beyond a security screening checkpoint.

The motivation behind the legislation was concerns raised by some prosecutors about the enforceability of changes to federal guidelines. Sen. Damoose emphasized that the new law ensures state and federal guidelines align, providing the necessary tools to bring those who violate the law to justice.

The bill was signed into law on Nov. 22 and will go into effect on Feb. 13, 2024. This reform represents a significant step toward enhancing airport security and ensuring the safety of passengers in Michigan.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.senatorjohndamoose.com/damoose-airport-security-reform-signed-into-law/