LANSING, Mich. – The future of a bill designed to protect Michigan gas station and convenience store workers remains unclear following a committee hearing last week. Known as The Jessica Heeringa Act, named for a gas station employee who was abducted in 2013, the bill would require stores with 24-hour operations to install security cameras or have two employees working on all overnight shifts.

Despite pressure from Heeringa’s family, the Michigan House committee didn’t vote on the bill this week. Originally introduced in late 2013, the bill cannot pass if it is not voted on before the end of this year. Three other states have recently adopted similar laws.

For more on store safety and why it’s essential to cover the basics, watch for the December issue of NACS Magazine.