Something that would have people more mindful, more considerate of their behavior or actions …
Rep. Veronica Paiz, Lunch + Legislation, Saturday, June 8, 2024
Rep. Paiz spoke of HB 5525, a bill that would create civil liability for death or harm to a “service animal” as defined in federal and state law and provide various damages. These animals, currently only dogs and miniature horses, receive enhanced protections in other laws already. The idea for the bill came to her when she was asked to sponsor House versions of two bills in the Senate, to modernize and enhance criminal penalties for harm to disabled people and their “guide dogs”. She consulted with various stakeholders including a law professor and NGOs that provide disabled people. The 3 bills are now pending in both Michigan House and Senate, with Rep. Paiz’s bills getting a hearing in May (with AFA testifying in support). There were concerns and she expects to work on the bills this summer and have a committee vote in September.
… being an artist demands that you have a larger universe around you and that you pay attention for it to inform your work, to be mindful to look at things from a different perspective or to at least consider those perspectives … so being in the legislature has given me the opportunity to transfer over, if you will, and to work with others and to really expand my thinking and to — I don’t know if ‘creative is the word — work with others and reaching out for allies … what happens is we sometimes think ‘that is the way things are and it might be nice to change,’ but we don’t consider it. Being a representative has given me the opportunity to [say] ‘I’m in the position to do something about that! Why wasn’t I doing it sooner?'”
Rep. Veronica Paiz, Lunch + Legislation, Saturday, June 8, 2024
She also highlighted the “anti-BSL” bills (HB 5039-5041) which would prevent counties, townships and cities from enacting or enforcing laws regulating dogs based on breed or perceived breed. Her service on the Harper Woods City Council provided insight into the harms caused by BSL, without addressing the root problem.