LANSING — State Sen. John Proos co-sponsored legislation introduced in the state Senate June 7 to protect the state from lawsuits relating to Michigan’s medical marijuana law.

“Michigan continues to struggle to provide quality and necessary services with limited financial resources,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “I co-sponsored this measure because we must protect scarce tax dollars from costly and time-consuming lawsuits. While I opposed the medical marijuana proposal, I think the vast majority of Michigan residents would agree that it was not intended to open up the state to lawsuits.”

The Senate bill would amend the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act to explicitly state that the act shall not be construed to create a private action against the state or any political subdivision of the state.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, said he introduced the bill after the issue was brought to his attention by Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Peter O’Connell.

“The medical marijuana law has raised a host of legal and ethical issues, including whether a felon can operate a facility or if dispensaries may be located next to schools,” Proos said. “State officials need to be able to make these important determinations without fear of legal action.”

The measure is expected to be referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.