Oppose HB4664: Protect Our Right to Peaceful Assembly

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 4664, which seeks to amend the 1949 PA 300, specifically section 676b (MCL 257.676b). This bill, while ostensibly aimed at regulating traffic obstruction, represents an unnecessary and potentially harmful attack on our fundamental right to peaceful assembly. The proposed amendments go far beyond reasonable traffic management. By prohibiting individuals from "blocking, obstructing, impeding, or interfering with normal traffic flow" without authority, the bill creates a broad and vague standard that could be used to suppress legitimate protests and demonstrations. This language could easily be misused to target and criminalize peaceful assemblies, which are a cornerstone of our democratic process. Of particular concern is the new misdemeanor charge for violations during assemblies of 10 or more individuals. This provision seems specifically designed to discourage group demonstrations and could have a chilling effect on citizens' willingness to exercise their First Amendment rights. The right to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances is fundamental to our democracy, and this bill threatens to erode that right. While the bill does include exceptions for certain activities, such as soliciting contributions for charitable organizations, these narrow allowances do not offset the potential for abuse in other areas. The restrictions on when and how these solicitations can occur (only during daylight hours, with specific safety apparel, and in certain locations) further demonstrate the bill's overreach into regulating public space and activity. I urge you to vote against HB4664. Instead of creating new ways to criminalize assembly, we should be focusing on protecting and expanding our civil liberties. Our current laws already provide ample tools for managing traffic and public safety without infringing on constitutional rights. This bill is a solution in search of a problem, and its passage would represent a step backward for Michigan's commitment to free speech and assembly. Please stand up for the rights of your constituents and all Michiganders by opposing this unnecessary and potentially dangerous legislation. Our democracy depends on the ability of citizens to gather, speak out, and be heard without fear of criminalization.