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Latest proposal of state budget includes restrictions on health departments issuing public health orders

The latest version of the proposed state budget includes some restrictions on health departments issuing public health orders.

The Senate bill prevents local health departments from issuing mask mandates for those under 18 years old.

Democratic lawmakers say that provision is not enforceable under state law.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer wouldn't say whether she'd veto the section at an appearance Wednesday, but later sent a statement saying she'd quote oppose any attempts to prevent local health departments from doing their jobs.

"We will do our task of going through, line by line, of the budget, to see what is enforceable, what might not be enforceable."

This bill also requires local health departments to provide a report to state lawmakers any time they issue an emergency health order.