The measure is seen as a boost to the tourism industry in Michigan by extending the traditional summer vacation season through the Labor Day weekend without interruption. Some proponents also claim the legislation to be pro-families by providing a greater opportunity for families to vacation together.
Opponents deride the measure as infringing on local control of the school calendar.
The Michigan Retailers Association has supported the concept of the bill, including the current version, which is a pared-down version of the original proposal, which sought to preclude schools from conducting any classes prior to Labor Day. The bill now moves on to the full Senate where final approval is expected to be considered early next week. The House has approved tighter restrictions on the sale of products containing ephedrine under Senate Bill 182, passed on 105-0 vote on Tuesday. The measure also prohibits the delivery of ephedrine containing food products or dietary supplements to persons under 18 years of age, except for physicians, pharmacists, parents and guardians, or persons authorized by a parent or guardian. The bill now returns to the Senate for final concurrence in the House-passed version.