Committee hears bills to let physicians shorten Michigan license suspensions after epileptic seizures

The House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on two bills that would allow the Michigan Secretary of State to reduce standard driver’s‑license suspensions imposed after epileptic seizures.

Representative Vanderwall introduced House Bills 4306 and 4307 as measures to “restore the important tool to those who suffer from epilepsy,” saying the condition affects about 1 percent of Michigan residents. He told the committee the bills would let the Secretary of State use a three‑month suspension standard if an individual supplies a treating clinician’s note indicating seizures are under control, and would allow shorter or waived suspensions in some special circumstances such as medication changes or seizures that occur only at night.

Supporters told the committee the bills aim to balance public safety with the independence of people whose seizures are controlled. Andrea Shodefer, president of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, said the foundation supports HB 4306 and HB 4307 and that driving eligibility should “be based…