HB 4285:  Creates an elective program for Michigan schools to offer a firearm safety program in schools.

Sponsor:  Rep. VanderWall (R)                

Passage:  101-7 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: As hunter participation rates continue to decline around the county, some have argued to providing students with exposure to firearm and hunting safety practices could help recruit more new hunters. 

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HB 4401:  Amends the Natural Resources and Protection Act (NREPA) to remove the sunset from the law that created the Pheasant Stamp for Hunting. Removing this sunset will extend the pheasant hunt in Michigan.

Sponsor:  Rep. Greene (R)                         

Passage:  104-4 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: According to Pheasants Forever, in recent years, Michigan pheasant hunters have been harvesting nearly 22,000 wild roosters annually. 

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BILL PACKAGE HBs 4113-4114:  HB 4113 (Steckloff) increases the liquor discount retailers may receive from 17% to 23%. 

HB 4114 (Kuhn) restricts the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) from considering violations of the liquor code older than two years.

Sponsors:  Reps. Steckloff (D) & Kuhn (R)                          

HB 4113 Passage:  83-25 with Immediate Effect

HB 4114 Passage:  83-25 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Minor violations of the liquor code that occurred years ago should not impact the commission’s decisions pertaining to licensing. 

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BILL PACKAGE HBs 4301-4302:  HB 4301 (BeGole) allows Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) vehicles to operate with flashing, rotating, or oscillating red, white, amber, or green lights when engaging in an emergency response. HB 4302 (McFall) allows MABAS employees and members to operate emergency vehicles if they have met the driving standards under the firefighters training council act.

Sponsors:  Rep. BeGole (R) & McFall (D)                            

HB 4301 Passage:  108-0 with Immediate Effect

HB 4302 Passage:  108-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The agreement assists departments with recruitment and retention problems during emergencies by providing additional first responders. Yet, currently, some MABAS first responders that travel to assist lack the clearance to operate other emergency vehicles. 

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HB 4189:  Would name the bridge on South Grand Avenue over I-96 in the village of Fowlerville as the LCpl Michael W. Hanks Memorial Bridge.

Sponsor:  Rep. Woolford (R)                     

Passage:  108-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Our military personnel continually place themselves in danger on behalf of our citizens and state to defend the interests of our country. 

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HB 4420:  Would prohibit the expenditure of an appropriated enhancement grant funds unless certain information is publicly disclosed on the official website of the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB) and made available to the public.

Sponsor:  Rep. Kunse (R)                            

Passage:  108-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: For-profit businesses won’t qualify for earmarked spending. Nonprofits must meet strict new criteria, including a proven presence in Michigan, to ensure they’re legitimate and serving the public good.

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HB 4464:  Would codify existing federal exemptions for certain health plans into Michigan law.

Sponsor:  Rep. Harris (R)                           

Passage:  106-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The bill mirrors existing federal law, codifying exemptions that plans have been operating under for over a decade. 

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HB 4023:  Would authorize the transfer of property currently owned by the state (land adjacent to the Michigan State Police Headquarters complex) to Michigan Police Equipment Company in Eaton County.

Sponsor:  Rep. Witwer (D)                         

Passage:  104-2 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Surplus property should not be kept and maintained by the state when better uses are available, and the state does not seem to be using this portion of the current parcel. 

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HB 4135:  Would authorize the transfer of property currently owned jointly by the state (Department of Natural Resources) and Jackson County.

Sponsor:  Rep. Lightner (R)                       

Passage:  104-2 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This would eliminate the current issue facing Jackson County in efficiently dealing with wastewater on the property and would provide a net benefit for the property and surrounding area.