LANSING, Mich., Jan. 3 -- The Michigan Senate Republicans issued the following news release:

A series of bills that clarifies whether or not medical marijuana will be covered by insurance companies has been signed into law, said sponsor Sen. Rick Jones.

"Auto insurance and workers' compensation insurance is already expensive, and I see no reason to add costs," said Jones, R-Grand Ledge. "I hope these changes will help stop abuse of the system and save money for policy holders."

Public Act 542 of 2012 excludes the medical use of marijuana from allowable expenses covered by personal injury protection benefits under an automobile insurance policy. PA 542 was signed into law by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley on Wednesday.

Last week, Gov. Rick Snyder signed PA 481, which allows employers to not be responsible for paying for employee medical marijuana treatment.

TNS JF78JF-130104-4158072 EditorFurigay