Michigan Legislature Advances Mental Health and School Safety Bills, Reviews IUD Insurance Coverage PDF Print Email
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Wednesday, October 09, 2024 04:01 PM

Michigan Legislature Advances Mental Health and School Safety Bills, Reviews IUD Insurance Coverage

In what may be the last legislative session before the November election, both chambers of the Michigan Legislature reconvened for a concentrated work period. Although committee activities were in full swing, only a few pieces of legislation advanced to the Governor’s desk.

One of the key bills that did move forward was House Bill 5503, a supplemental appropriations measure for schools. This bill provides districts, intermediate school districts (ISDs), Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind, and nonpublic schools with per-pupil grants aimed at improving mental health and school safety. Additionally, it creates a school safety tip line, allowing students to anonymously report improperly stored firearms accessible to minors.

The Senate Health Policy Committee also held hearings on a series of bills that would modify insurance coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives and postpartum IUDs (SB 973974987988). Another proposal, (SB 1006), would require hospitals to stock IUDs in their maternity units. Committee discussions on these topics are ongoing, with MAFP continuing to advocate on behalf of family physicians in Lansing.