Snyder

LANSING — Gov. Snyder signed a legislation Tuesday repealing several outdated laws. Cursing in front of women or children or playing the national anthem out of tune will no longer be criminal acts punishable by jail time in Michigan.

“Modernizing state government is an ongoing effort,” Snyder said. “I appreciate the work of the legislature in analyzing the criminal code and eliminating statutes that no longer make sense in the 21st century.”

House Bill 4248, sponsored by state Rep. Chris Afendoulis, repeals a number of  obsolete criminal laws, some of which are burdensome or unconstitutional. These include the aforementioned acts, as well as six crimes relating to “dueling” or refusing to help fight a forest fire. It is now Public Act 210 of 2015.

HB 4249, sponsored by state Rep. Michael Webber, eliminates crimes related to trespassing that were made redundant by newer, broader statutes. These include trampling or otherwise injuring cranberry vines or huckleberry or blackberry bushes without the permission of the owner or occupant. The bill is now PA 211.

HB 4250, sponsored by state Rep. Rob VerHeulen, repeals a law making it a misdemeanor to promote, conduct or participate in “endurance contests,” otherwise known as walkathons. Walkathons are commonly used in Michigan to raise money for charitable organizations. The bill is now PA 212.

HB 4709, sponsored by state Rep. John Bizon, replaces a reference to “deformed human being or human monstrosity” with “disabled or disfigured.” It is now PA 214.

HB 4711, also sponsored by Webber, eliminates the requirement that a prisoner not be released from incarceration until all fines are paid and eliminates the option for a judge to sentence a prisoner to solitary confinement or hard labor in prison or jail. The former is unenforceable due to court opinions, and the latter is enforced at the corrections level. The bill is now PA 216.