FLINT — State Rep. Sheldon Neeley (D-Flint) expressed his sincere gratitude today after Gov. Rick Snyder signed his House Bill 5120 into law. HB 5120 was introduced in response to Flint’s water supply being contaminated with lead and represents a positive step forward in recovering from that crisis.

“I am extremely grateful to the governor and his administration for their ongoing cooperation in remedying what truly is a humanitarian crisis,” said Neeley. “This is an issue the likes of which we should not have to see in the 21st century, and I am glad the administration understands my community’s sense of urgency and signed HB 5120 into law.”

Introduced in response to the Flint water crisis, HB 5120 will require responsible water authorities to alert the public within 72 hours of identifying a Tier II water violation, or when the lead action level has been exceeded. Previously, the notification period was 30 days.

“This law presents an opportunity for the state and the Flint community to move forward helping, healing, trusting and working together with one another to find solutions,” said Neeley. “It is my hope that this bill will protect the public from unknowingly using or consuming unclean water in the future and prevent another water crisis from occurring in a Michigan community again.”

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