LANSING — The Michigan House passed a bill this week that would increase penalties for trespassing onto restricted parts of the Mackinac Bridge.
The proposal would designate parts of the bridge as a ‘key facility’, giving those areas the same level of protection as water treatment infrastructure and hazardous material storage.
The bill — HB 4470 — would increase the penalty for trespassing on the bridge to a felony punishable by up to four years in prison or $2,500.
Rep. Parker Fairbairn, (R) District 107, Harbor Springs, is a sponsor of the bill. He says that smooth operation of the Mackinac Bridge is essential for connecting the two peninsulas and facilitating commerce.
“What it does is list the Mackinac Bridge as a critical piece of infrastructure — and what that’s going to allow for really is enhanced safety,” Fairbairn said. “You look at some things across the state of Michigan that are critical infrastructure, and there really isn’t anything better than the Mackinac Bridge to be on that list.”
Fairbairn also says the proposal was also inspired by the actions of some on social media who climb large structures, often at the risk of their own safety.
The proposal passed through the state House 92-8 and now heads to the state Senate.