State Rep. Dave Pagel and Sen. Steve Bieda have introduced bills to increase public safety in hotels, motels and resorts throughout Michigan.

The bills require carbon monoxide detectors to be installed at all access points and adjacent to access points in all hotels, motels and resorts, no matter how old the building. While current law requires this practice for all newly constructed buildings, it does not require it of older ones.

The legislation comes in the wake of the tragic event at a Niles hotel that led to the death of a child as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“I can’t imagine the incredible pain the parents of this child are going through,” said Pagel, R-Berrien Springs. “This tragic occurrence should never have happened, plain and simple, and we must ensure that it absolutely never happens again.”

Michigan is not the only state addressing the carbon monoxide poisoning issue.

“Over 500 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning; installing carbon monoxide detectors is an easy fix,” said Bieda, D-Warren. “Thirteen states require carbon monoxide detectors in hotels and motels. It’s time for Michigan to join that group.”

The bills were referred to the House and Senate Regulatory Reform Committees for consideration.