By Jim Bloch
Michigan State Representative Joe Pavlov is working on a bill that would mandate the training of bouncers, security guards and law enforcement officers about the dangers of positional asphyxia, which was the cause of death of Joshua Conant, 26, outside the Roche Bar in Port Huron Nov. 4. 2023.
Pavlov addressed the Port Huron City Council at its regular meeting March 24 during the public comment section of the agenda.
Josh’ mother, Sandy Schulz, spoke in front of the council March 10 and requested that the city adopt a local ordinance as a first step to a state law.
Positional asphyxiation refers to a kind of suffocation that can occur due to a person’s body position, usually as the result of some kind of trauma, such as inebriation, a fall, confinement or restraint — as might be used in an arrest.
At the March 10 meeting, City Manager James Freed asked City Attorney Todd Shoudy to draft language for a local ordinance and a state law.
“While I was door knocking on my campaign, I saw lots of signs for Justice for Josh,” said Pavlov, as heard on the recording of the meeting posted on the city’s website. “Because of that, I found out who Josh was and about his passing. My sympathy went out especially to the parents. I say sympathy and not empathy because I, too, have lost a child. My wife Marilyn and I lost our beautiful daughter Dr. Jennifer Marie Pavlov Askew.”
Askew, 37, died June 20, 2024, in a lawn work accident, leaving behind seven children.
“So, I know the pain and the heartache, and I know it never goes away,” said Pavlov. “I’ve been asked to write legislation to help this from happening to others. To die of situational asphyxiation is a terrible thing. As a new lawmaker, this may be the first bill I get passed. I hope to call it Josh’s Law.”
Schultz requested on March 10 that the bill be called the Joshua Conant Law.
Pavlov said he had just met Josh’s grandparents that evening. He asked Josh’s parents and grandparents to stand, and the audience acknowledged them with applause.
“It is an honor for me to do this for him and the parents and grandparents,” Pavlov said. “I want you to know that I’ve been praying for you, and I will continue to pray for you.”
Pavlov said that the bill was “in the idea stage.”
“It will probably be the most important bill I write,” Pavlov said.
The audience applauded.
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
