MACKINAC ISLAND — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday signed a bipartisan bill to forgive school makeup days, supporting dozens of communities across the state that were affected by severe weather after unprecedented snow melt, spring storms and flooding.

“Michigan families are still feeling the impacts of the severe weather that devastated many of our communities,” Whitmer stated in a news release. “This bill removes unnecessary penalties on students and schools whose routines were disrupted. I’m focused on securing funds to help Michiganders rebuild their communities. In the meantime, I’m proud to sign a bill that provides relief to schools and communities who were hit hard by these storms.”

The legislation forgives up to four additional makeup days for schools in affected counties.

“Schools and families across my district are pleased to see the extraordinary circumstances of this winter recognized by the forgiveness of these days,” said state Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. “Our schools and teachers have already worked hard to make up the lost classroom time so that students and families can keep their work and summer plans in place.”

House Bill 5797, sponsored by state Rep. Parker Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs, provides excusals for Michigan schools that canceled instruction days due to storms and flooding. The legislation provides relief to schools in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula that experienced severe winter storms and spring flooding, as well as counties downstate that endured unprecedented flooding from a water main break in May.

“Unpredictable and extreme winter weather across Northern Michigan and the U.P. this year created a problematic situation for schools that required quick action from lawmakers,” Fairbairn said. “I’m grateful to see the governor sign the bill I sponsored to address this difficult situation, allowing local school boards a little leeway in managing their calendar after a second straight year of extreme weather.”