(WWJ) -- The Michigan Senate has voted in favor of a bill that would exempt high school graduation ceremonies across Michigan this spring from the state’s executive orders that restrict crowd sizes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Capacity limits imposed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration could be waived for graduation ceremonies if the bill is approved by the House of Representatives. Under the health department’s current order, 1,000 people are permitted to be in outdoor stadiums with a fixed seating capacity of up to 10,000.
The limit for indoor venues is set at 375, or 750 for venues where the capacity is more than 10,000.
Wednesday’s vote saw the bill pass 21-15, with all but one Democrat in the Republican-controlled Senate voting against it.
Supporters of the bill say a high school graduation is an important milestone for many families and it should be celebrated.
The bill passed through the Senate one day after Whitmer’s administration rolled out new orders, easing some capacity restrictions on large outdoor events and loosening outdoor mask requirements.
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Most high school graduations are set to take place at the end of May or in early June.
It is not clear whether Whitmer would veto the bill if it reaches her desk.