Law promotes and protects honoring those killed in the line of duty

A new law from state Rep. Jason Wentworth ensures businesses are not prohibited from displaying signs or flags commemorating military heroes, police officers, firefighters and first responders who were killed in the line of duty.

House Bill 6063, which became Public Act 506 of 2018, addresses recent incidents where job providers have been forced to remove signage or flags due to local ordinances, or pay fines for refusing to cooperate.

“Government should not stand in the way of businesses honoring or remembering individuals who have bravely made the ultimate sacrifice – those who put their life on the line to protect their neighbors and country,” said Wentworth, of Clare. “These people are heroes to Michigan communities and we should allow them to be recognized as heroes.”

Wentworth, who chaired the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee during the 2017-18 legislative term, addressed the legislation during a “Let the Flags Fly” rally at the Capitol in December. He was joined by a group of legislators, military veterans, first responders and families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

“The outpouring of support was incredible,” Wentworth said. “It was great to see so many people who deeply understand the cost of the freedoms we hold dear in this state and this country. As a representative of the people, it was important to hear their voices and assure them that their fervent patriotism and support of our military and first responders will be respected, not regulated.”

The proposal previously received overwhelming support in the Michigan House and was advanced unanimously by the Senate.