PROOS CO-SPONSORS BILL PROTECTING MICHIGAN TAXPAYERS FROM MEDICAL
MARIJUANA LAWSUITS

LANSING -- State Sen. John Proos co-sponsored legislation introduced
in the state Senate June 7 to protect the state from lawsuits relating
to Michigan's medical marijuana law.

"Michigan continues to struggle to provide quality and necessary
services with limited financial resources," said Proos, R-St. Joseph.
"I co-sponsored this measure because we must protect scarce tax
dollars from costly and time-consuming lawsuits. While I opposed the
medical marijuana proposal, I think the vast majority of Michigan
residents would agree that it was not intended to open up the state to
lawsuits."

The Senate bill would amend the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act to
explicitly state that the act shall not be construed to create a
private action against the state or any political subdivision of the
state.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, said he
introduced the bill after the issue was brought to his attention by
Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Peter O'Connell.

"The medical marijuana law has raised a host of legal and ethical
issues, including whether a felon can operate a facility or if
dispensaries may be located next to schools," Proos said. "State
officials need to be able to make these important determinations
without fear of legal action."

The measure is expected to be referred to the Senate Judiciary
Committee for consideration.