(LANSING) - Michigan lawmakers are pushing through new security measures as political threats surge nationwide.
A new law signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer expands the authority of the Legislature's sergeants-at-arms, giving them the power to investigate threats and provide security for lawmakers outside the Capitol. The move comes as part of a budget deal that adds $6 million for legislative security. Republican Representative Angela Rigas of Caledonia says the change is necessary after protesters showed up at her home earlier this year, calling the incident frightening for her children. Lawmakers are also advancing bills that would allow elected officials -- including legislators, judges, and statewide officers -- to permanently remove personal information such as home addresses, phone numbers, license plates, and employer details from public databases. The redactions would be exempt from Freedom of Information Act requests. But not everyone is on board. Democratic Senator Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor argues the measures undermine transparency and could give legislative leaders broad police powers without proper oversight. He also criticized the cost of the upgraded security.
House Speaker Matt Hall, a Republican from Richfield, says the legislation is narrowly focused on protecting officials from real threats, not limiting public access. The debate comes as surveys show a growing number of state lawmakers nationwide experiencing harassment, intimidation, and violent threats in recent years.