Michigan bill designed to protect late-night clerks

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NORTON SHORES, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan legislator on Mondayannounced a bill to require gas
stations and convenience stores thatstay open between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. to have two employees working or
toinstall security cameras.The bill unveiled in western Michigancomes after the April disappearance of a
26-year-old woman from her jobat a Norton Shores gas station. Jessica Heeringa’s mother and local
lawenforcement attended the news conference, according to the MuskegonChronicle."I believe these
measures go a long way to preventingthe kind of anguish endured by her family," said the bill’s
sponsor,Democratic Rep. Collene Lamonte of Montague.Heeringa disappearedbefore she was set to close the
station, where she was working alone.Police say there was no indication of a robbery.The gas stationhad no
security cameras, leaving authorities without potential clues.The reward for information in the case is more
than $15,000."I think if a security camera were in place, Jessica would still be here today," said
her mother, Shelly Heeringa.She said the owner of the Exxon gas station has since installed video
cameras.The proposed law would be called the Jessica Heeringa Act.Lamonte said three states have laws
similar to her bill.___Information from: The Muskegon Chronicle, http://www.mlive.com/muskegon

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