State Sen. Burton Leland, D-Detroit, introduced new legislation Thursday that would make it illegal for Detroit to place casinos on riverfront property along the Detroit River.

“Detroit’s riverfront is a jewel, one that should not be squandered,” Leland said in a written statement. “Why should the most scenic vista in the city be gobbled up by an industry that is notorious for its lack of windows?”

The bill would mandate that any commercial casino be placed at least one-half mile from any part of the Great Lakes.

The new bill follows the announcement by Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer that he would scale back his original casino proposal and place only one of three permanent Detroit casinos on the riverfront.

Election reform bill introduced to give voters easier access

State Rep. Nancy Cassis, R-Novi, introduced a bill Thursday intended to make voting easier for first-time voters.

The bill would allow voters such as college students, senior citizens and new residents to cast absentee ballots if the documents are notarized. Under current Michigan law, only residents with previous voting records can cast absentee ballots.

“It’s ironic that a student in Michigan may be studying the Bill of Rights in school, then get the runaround when it comes time to cast their first ballot,” Cassis said in a written statement. “Increasing voter participation is paramount. It instills a pride of ownership, which empowers people to affect positive change in the world around them.”

According to the newest census figures, Michigan is home to more than 340,000 college students. Michigan’s population also grew by approximately 6.9 percent.

Bill introduced creating $1 billion to prevent sewage discharge

State House Majority Floor Leader Bruce Patterson, R-Canton, introduced legislation Thursday that would create a $1 billion bond to finance water pollution control projects that prevent discharges of untreated or improperly treated sewage into the water.

“Water pollution problems exist in numerous locations across the state of Michigan,” Patterson said in a written statement. “The Legislature needs to help local communities that are struggling with the large costs involved in updating their infrastructure.”

The bill has already received support from 47 members of the House. If approved by the state Legislature, the bond would be put up to Michigan voters for approval.