State Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) with Special Operations Director and MITF1 Program Manager Shadd Whitehead at a tour of the MABAS Mobilization Center in Holly, MI.

 

McFall’s Bipartisan Emergency Response Legislation Enacted into Law

HAZEL PARK, Mich., Oct. 8, 2026 — Bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Reps. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) and Brian BeGole (R-Morrice) to support Michigan’s first responders and streamline disaster response was officially signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Oct. 6,2026, taking immediate effect as Public Acts 107 and 108 of 2026.

The two-bill package resolves critical statutory hurdles for the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), a statewide mutual aid agreement that mobilizes fire, EMS, and specialized emergency response teams during major disasters and regional crises.

McFall’s legislation, House Bill 4302 (now PA 108 of 2026), amends Chapter 3 of the Michigan Vehicle Code to exempt qualified MABAS personnel operating authorized emergency vehicles from commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements, provided they meet driver training standards under the Firefighters Training Council Act. Prior to this legislation taking immediate effect, standard CDL testing requirements presented a significant obstacle to recruiting and retaining qualified emergency personnel who possessed relevant operational experience.

“When disaster strikes, every second matters,” said McFall. “Our dedicated first responders shouldn’t be sidelined by unnecessary administrative hurdles when deploying to help neighboring communities. By ensuring our MABAS personnel can legally operate these essential response vehicles once they’ve met rigorous firefighter safety standards, this law cuts red tape, improves retention, and gets critical resources where they are needed most during emergency situations.”

The tie-barred companion bill, House Bill 4301 (now PA 107 of 2026), officially designates MABAS vehicles operated during interlocal emergencies as authorized emergency vehicles, allowing them to utilize flashing red, white, amber, and green lights on the road and at emergency sites to ensure safe navigation.

In recent years, MABAS resources and teams — such as Michigan Task Force One — have deployed to major statewide emergencies, including the active shooter situation at Michigan State University, the Gaylord tornado, and severe flooding in Midland.

“We sincerely thank Representative BeGole and Representative McFall for their leadership and support of public safety,” stated Chief Adam Carroll, MABAS President. “Their bipartisan efforts will help strengthen coordination, safety, and emergency response capabilities for communities across Michigan.”

Both bills passed the House and Senate with unanimous bipartisan support before receiving immediate effect designation and the governor’s approval.

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