The Rowan Act: Strengthening Michigan’s Amber Alert system (House bills 4517 & 4518)

About this episode

This episode discusses the Rowan Act and its implications for child passenger safety in Michigan.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Michigan State Representative Gina Rigas and Heather Morey-Pols, the mother of Rowan Morey-Pols, to discuss the tragic loss that inspired the Rowan Act (HB 4517 and 4518). Together, they walk us through what happened to Rowan, why Michigan families need stronger seat belt laws for children, and how this legislation aims to prevent future tragedies. We explore the gaps in current child passenger safety laws, the data behind why proper restraints save lives, and the challenges of turning personal tragedy into public policy. Representative Rigas also talks about the progress of the legislation and what supporters can do to help move the bill forward. This episode is a conversation about grief, advocacy, and hope. It lifts up a family’s story while highlighting a life-saving effort that could protect children across Michigan.

People in this episode

Host: Michigan's Children

Guests: Gina Rigas, Heather Morey-Pols

Topics covered

• Amber Alert system
• child passenger safety
• legislation
• advocacy
• grief
• public policy

Keywords

• Rowan Act
• Amber Alert
• seat belt laws
• child safety
• legislation
• advocacy
• Michigan

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Michigan's Children

Books & works: House bills 4517 & 4518

Places: Michigan

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