Michigan lawmakers in the House approve a package of bills that would allow police to send out alerts to cell phones if a mass shooter is on the loose. The legislation comes after the mass shooting in Kalamazoo in February.
Supporters say had there been a public warning on the night of the shooting rampage on February 20th, it is possible more lives could have been saved. Uber Driver Jason Dalton is now charged with shooting eight people, six of the victims died.
Father and son Richard and Tyler Smith were two of the victims murdered. They had been out shopping for cars when the gunman fired at them from behind. Their family told state lawmakers last month had there been a public threat alert system, and the father and son warned about a shooter, they might have been able to take cover.
Under the bills passed, police would be able to use pre-existing technology that is already federally funded to send out the alerts. Police could also send alerts to television and radio stations.
The bills includes penalties for anyone who might report fake threats.
The legislation now heads to the Michigan Senate for approval.
