http://gophouse.org/representatives/southwest/paquette/

Brad Paquette - State Representative, Lansing, MI (2026)

05/29/2026

YES on HB 4694: Provides broadened capability for rural, forest-reliant communities, especially in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula, to establish an authority that can effectively govern and manage local forest resources.

I voted yes on this bill because it allows communities to create a local recreational and forest authority board that is tailored to fit local economic, social, and cultural needs.

YES on HB 5281: Creates a new act called the “Third-Party Litigation Funding Transparency Act.” The act would establish new rules for third-parties who fund civil litigation in which someone else is the plaintiff.

I voted yes because our nation’s top adversaries can discreetly utilize Third-Party Litigation Funding to weaponize our justice system against ourselves, undermining our economy and gaining access to sensitive data. This bill is necessary to protect the integrity of the legal system and to drive down costs of tort lawsuits.

YES on HB 5644: Allows certified nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to sign a disabled individual’s application for a windshield placard, special registration plate, or free parking sticker.

I voted yes because MDOS operated under this practice for nearly two decades, and nurse practitioners routinely evaluate and determine patient disabilities in other areas of medical practice.

YES on HB 5710-5711: Requires prioritization of reliability and affordability when approving integrated resource plans, and eliminates the clean and renewable energy portfolio standards.

I voted yes on these bills because reforming the IRP process and mandating an emphasis on affordability and reliability prevents MPSC commissioners from making activist rulings that increase the cost of our electricity while making the grid less reliable.

YES on HB 4551: Transfers MCOLES from the State Police (MSP) budget to the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) budget.

I voted yes on this legislation to bring more transparency and assurance that MCOLES is operating independently from the organizations and individuals it licenses.

YES on HB 4839: Prohibits MDHHS from covering a brand name drug under Medicaid if a generic is available, unless the prescriber specifies the prescription must be dispensed as written.

I voted yes because the bill would reduce costs for the ever-growing costs associated with Medicaid pharmacy benefits.

YES on HB 5329 & 5331: Prohibits public entities from purchasing or acquiring drones containing software made or developed by entities listed on specified federal defense and sanctions lists. Applies the federal restrictions and prohibitions on drone purchases and acquisitions to state agencies, universities, and community colleges that receive state or local government funding.

I voted yes on these bills because they align Michigan with the federal government, encourage transparency and prevent foreign adversaries from infiltrating the operations of public entities.

YES on HB 5636: Renames a portion of US-24 as the Deputy Claude Wilson Memorial Highway.

I voted yes because this highway naming would allow us to express our gratitude and appreciation for Deputy Claude Wilson for his bravery and service.

YES on HB 4935: Enters Michigan into the Dental Compact, allowing dentists and dental hygienists to practice in all member states through a compact privilege.

I voted yes on this bill because by joining this compact, Michigan license holders will be able to practice in other states more easily.

NO on HB 4779: Mandates the use of a surgical smoke plume evacuation system for certain surgeries.

I voted no because the providers are best positioned to determine what equipment is necessary, government involvement only adds red tape and potentially costs.

YES on HB 5797: Allows a school district to waive instructional time due to certain conditions during 2025-2026 school year.

I voted yes on this piece of legislation because the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan experienced extreme weather this school year, schools should be given a break for these conditions.

YES on HB 5744-5745: Creates a new felony crime for intentionally discharging a firearm at a motor vehicle that the person knows or has reason to believe is occupied.

I voted yes because these bills take important steps to help protect the innocent from criminals who wish to harm or kill others.

YES on SB 729: Amends the State Building Authority Act to exempt $421.3 million in bonds issued by the State Building Authority (SBA) in June 2025 from counting against a $2.7 billion statutory cap for the net total amount of debt the SBA is authorized to have outstanding at any given time.

I voted yes because it allows Michigan to refinance existing obligations more efficiently, potentially saving taxpayers money while supporting public infrastructure around the state.

YES on HB 5504 & 5505: Creates a Digital Service Office under Department of Technology, Management, and Budget as well as a Digital Oversight Office under the Legislature.

I voted yes because prioritizing user-centered research and design ensures products and services are tailored to allow ease of access and use for residents.

YES on HB 5872-5879: Property Tax Reform Plan

I voted yes on these bills because property taxes are often cited as being overly burdensome in Michigan. Eliminating the pop-up tax could increase homeowner mobility and make home ownership more affordable for downsizing seniors and first-time homebuyers. Additionally, requiring property tax savings to be passed on to utility consumers would immediately lower bills.

NO on SB 304: Allows the City of Mackinac Island to regulate all aspects of the ferry, including all fees.

I voted no because the ferry companies are best positioned to judge what fees are necessary to operate the ferry services in a sustainable way. The legislature should avoid interfering with an otherwise free market.

YES on HB 5552: Allows prepayment penalties for commercial mortgage loans.

I voted yes on this bill because commercial entities are purchasing significant amounts of residential real estate, and these penalties may disincentivize that practice.

YES on HB 5150: Modifies respiratory therapist licensure by requiring continuing education, creating a limited license and adjusting scope of practice stipulations.

I voted yes because continuing education requirements ensure that respiratory therapists maintain up to date knowledge and skills.

YES on HB 5717: Allows township boards to contract with an individual accredited to conduct elections when there is an absence of a township clerk or deputy township clerk.

I voted yes on this piece of legislation because it prevents uncertainty about who is legally authorized to administer an election at the township level and ensures townships use trained professionals.

05/13/2026

Join us, this Friday, for a Virtual Town Hall for discussion regarding the Hyperscale Data Center in Dowagiac, MI.

Friday, May 15
1:00 PM

This conversation is an opportunity for residents to share concerns, ask questions, and provide input as discussions continue surrounding this topic and its potential impact on our community. We want to hear directly from you so we can better understand the issues that matter most and next steps moving forward.

If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns about the data center proposal, I encourage you to join the conversation. Your voice and perspective are important.

Please use the link below to join the meeting at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 15:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/29809045962392?p=KD5FyaEa1gsvXuxHZo

As always, feel free to contact my office with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you on Friday.

04/24/2026

YES on HB 5301: Expands the time period during which licensed hunters may carry an unloaded weapon while using artificial light when traveling to or from their hunting location.

I voted yes on this bill to give hunters more time in low-light conditions to walk to hunting stands, leave hunting areas safely, and use flashlights or headlamps for navigation.

YES on HB 5715: Requires the Michigan National Guard to provide payment to members of any status via direct deposit or electronic transfer.

I voted yes because direct deposit is commonplace and should be offered to ALL members of Michigan’s National Guard.

YES on HB 4902-4904: Removes a professional disclosure statement requirement and removes several provisions relating to licensees credentialed before 1993.

I voted yes because the disclosure requirement adds red tape, and its intent could be accomplished by simpler, less bureaucratic means.

YES on HB 5619 & 5630: House FY26-27 General and Education Budget

I voted yes on these budgets because they reduce state spending, prioritize taxpayers, and keep Michigan financially stable without new taxes.

04/17/2026

On Tuesday, I voted:

YES on SB 274: To rename a portion of US-131 in Kalamazoo County Master Sergeant Gregory Kuhse Memorial Highway.

I voted yes on this bill because our military personnel continually place themselves in danger to defend our country, and this highway naming allows us to express our gratitude for Master Sergeant Gregory Kuhse for his bravery and service.

YES on HB 5688: To allow a delivery network company to deduct or exclude the sales tax paid to a marketplace seller in connection with a qualified sale.

I voted yes because this bill clarifies sales tax responsibilities for delivery platforms and prevents situations where transactions could be effectively double taxed, ensuring consumers and businesses are not unfairly charged twice for the same purchase.

YES on HB 4720: To prohibit new voting systems in the state from including any parts or equipment from foreign companies that would pose an unacceptable security risk.

I voted yes on this bill to protect our elections from foreign influence or interference.

YES on HB 4765: To strengthen voter ID requirements in Michigan election law by requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote.

I voted yes to ensure only eligible voters participate in our democratic process and protect the fundamental right to vote.

On Wednesday, I voted:

YES on HBs 5227-5229: To update real estate laws by modifying prohibited conduct and disclosure requirements for real estate brokers and agents.

I voted yes on these bills to strengthen transparency and accountability in real estate transactions and to ensure buyers and sellers have clearer information and stronger protections throughout the process.

YES on HB 5577: To update Michigan’s State Plane Coordinate System.

I voted yes on this bill because it ensures our geodetic modeling system is modern and up to date, which helps with the accuracy of private and public infrastructure projects.

On Thursday, I voted:

YES on HBs 4696 & 4697: to expand and clarify guardianship assistance.

I voted yes on these bills to expand support for caregivers and ensure more children can be safely cared for by qualified guardians, especially since requiring relatives to become licensed foster parents to receive assistance can be overly burdensome and may discourage individuals from stepping forward to become guardians or seek needed support.

YES on HBs 4471: To allow retirees to receive retirement benefits from the county to be employed by the county sheriff’s office without forfeiting retirement benefits.

I voted yes on this bill because it helps address staffing shortages, especially in smaller counties, while also ensuring retirees who return to work can fairly receive both the retirement benefits they earned and their current salary without penalty.

YES on HB 4901: To adjust the licensing cycle for nurses and speech-language pathologists to three years, up from previously two years.

I voted yes because it aligns nursing and speech-language pathology license cycles with other health professions’ three-year cycle, reducing unnecessary bureaucratic burden for these professionals.

03/03/2026

Recent Votes:

YES on HB 4934: To clarify that when a temporary psychologist licensure expires, the license holder can be relicensed, and relicensure counts towards the renewal limit.

I voted yes because the law is unclear if temporary licenses issued for purposes of obtaining postgraduate or doctoral experience can be relicensed or only renewed in accordance with the limits set in statute. The bill makes a simple, logical, clarifying change.

YES on HB 4932: To allow 100% of pharmacists’ continuing education requirements to be completed online.

I voted yes on this bill because completing continuing education online is a simple and effective way to fulfill such requirements, especially since pharmacists typically do not work with patients directly.

YES on HB 5210: To allow the same vessel to be listed on multiple licenses and permits vessels to be added or subtracted from a license via written notification to the DNR.

I voted yes because this legislation will help commercial fishers have more flexibility. A vessel can be utilized for various types of fishing, such as trap nets or gill nets, if they are covered under different licenses held by the same or different operators.

NO on HBs 5298-5299: To insert limousines and buses to the existing list of passenger transportation entities exempt from paying personal injury protection benefits.

I voted no because if the limo driver is the reason the accident and therefore injury happened, the limo company should be the policy the passenger claims benefits under.

NO on HB 5517: To provide Michigan beer and soft drink distributors a tax credit per returnable container sold.

I voted no due to the fact that distributors are required to invest their own resources into implementing the Bottle Bill as a cost of doing business, and taxpayers should not foot that bill.

YES on HBs 4593-4594: To limit who can describe themselves as dental specialists.

I voted yes on this bill to prohibit advertising that might falsely influence consumers.Previously, a less qualified dentists could advertise as specializing in various areas, while those more qualified are restricted in what they hold themselves as.

YES on HB 5102: Eliminates the long dormant dental task force, advising the dentistry board on the health profession specialty fields.

I voted yes because removing the statute cleans up the law. Since the task force is dormant, there is no use in keeping the statute creating it.

YES on HB 4909: Modifies the requirement for reporting cosmetology school records to LARA.

I voted yes because this bill removes a burdensome reporting requirement for cosmetology schools.

YES on HB 4346-4347: To revise the current $3 million cap that could be deposited into the Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund annually from Internet Gaming tax revenue to phase in over 3 years to $15 million annually.

I voted yes because Horse racing through the AIEDF should benefit from the popularity of other online gaming laws. Historically, the AEIDF balance has been raided to help balance the state budget, it is time to at least partially provide for the opportunity to restore some of those funds.

02/23/2026

Last week's votes:

YES on HB 5035-5039: this package would amend different acts to address fraud in reproductive assistance procedures. House Bill 5036 would prohibit providing false or misleading information related to an assisted reproduction procedure and prohibit a health professional from using an embryo, s***m, or egg in such a procedure that is not the one the patient consented to. House Bills 5035, 5037, 5038, and 5039 would make related changes concerning, respectively, civil liability, statutes of limitations, sentencing guidelines, and health professional sanctions.

I voted yes because penalties associated with assisted reproduction fraud require strengthening.

YES on HB 5030 & HB 5220:

HB 4530 would amend the timeframe by which mental health professionals are to release records pertaining to an individual suspected of being involved in a case of child abuse or neglect.

HB 5220 would require mandated reporters to complete training developed by DHHS once every three years in recognizing child abuse or neglect as well as responsibilities required under mandated reporting.

I voted yes because mandated reporters should remain up to date on signs of abuse and the responsibilities they are charged with, especially as responsibilities could change.

YES on HB 4981: redesignates “limited licensed counselors” as “limited licensed professional counselors.

I voted yes because this change could help avoid confusion, establish consistency and could improve professional identification.

YES on HB 5317: Allows counties with a population of less than 100,000 to reduce the size of their Parks and Recreation Board to seven members.

I voted yes because this legislation will save smaller counties thousands of dollars. Counties should have the flexibility to eliminate waste within their own budgets and reallocate those funds towards other essential local services instead.

YES on HB 4279: creates the Michigan Army National Guard and Air National Guard apprenticeship act.

I voted yes because this program could help servicemembers nearing or post separation find suitable employment opportunities related to on the job skills obtained.

NO on HB 4402: amends the Public Health Code, requiring the department to develop and disseminate info material on cytomegalovirus.

I voted no because there are upfront costs for universal cCMV testing and I do not agree with adding to this testing that is mandated on the day the baby is born. The test should be allowed to be done with the primary care doctor at another date.

YES on HB 4079-4080: increases the income threshold for the special assessment deferment.

I voted yes because this program helps assist senior citizens and disabled individuals on low/fixed incomes with the high costs of special assessments. In certain areas of the state, there are a significant amount of special assessments, and this could help people on low or fixed incomes with payments.

02/03/2026

Recent votes:
YES on SB 495: amends the Revised School Code to require schools to include a protocol for when and how students are permitted to use wireless communications devices during an emergency within their emergency operations plan.

I voted yes on this bill because it is important for students to have access to their phones during emergencies. Although I opposed the outright ban on phones in schools for a handful of reasons, I do support this aspect allowing schools to create their own plans that support their students and staff needs.

YES on HB 4361: Requires service quality and reliability standards adopted by the MPSC to allow tree trimming and vegetation management around power lines.

I voted yes because tree trimming is an essential part of maintaining grid reliability, especially with the increasing severity of extreme weather.

01/23/2026

On Wednesday, I voted:

YES on HB 5113: would provide a process for correcting errors on an application for a CPL license.

I voted yes because the statute should provide a path by which errors made in CPL applications may be corrected.

YES on HB 4980: would allow individuals to obtain CPLs from the county clerk of any county in the state, instead of only being able to obtain a CPL from the county clerk in the county in which the individual resides.

I voted yes because some counties and county clerks are very opposed or antagonistic to Second Amendment rights and to persons who seek CPL licenses. Individuals should have the ability to seek their CPL license from a county clerk that respects and honors Second Amendment rights

YES on HB 5314-5316: would eliminate the Michigan Attorney General’s powers to file civil actions and criminal prosecutions in Ingham County, when the action arose or the alleged crime occurred in another county. The bills would also restrict the Attorney General’s ability to intervene in lawsuits filed outside the state of Michigan.

I voted yes because the Attorney General Dana Nessel has abused the powers of her office under current law, and these bills will help restrict her ability to continue weaponizing state government to deny citizens trial by a jury of their peers.

On Thursday, I voted:

YES on HB 5154: requires public schools to accept cash as payment for admission to sporting events.

I voted yes because this bill gives payment options and makes it easier for folks that don’t have a smartphone or use debit or credit cards to attend a local school’s sporting event. This bill preserves data privacy by allowing spectators to avoid being tracked using digital tickets

YES on HB 4678-4679: updates the Weights and Measures Act.

Why I support these bills:

They provide added flexibility for small businesses that rent equipment.
Allowing per-gallon charges is a much more accurate way to account for used fuel – flat rate refilling costs could result in either the business not being reimbursed enough or the customer being overcharged.
We should not require businesses to purchase high-end fuel pumps if they are not in the business of selling fuel for consumers – at the end of the day, this fuel is to refill their own equipment.

01/09/2026

Recent Votes
YES on SB 685 - 690 & 699: The bills would expand the tax credit for agricultural land preservation under Part 361 (Farmland and Open Space Preservation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to other land preservation programs, including conservation easements under Subpart 11 (Conservation and Historic Preservation Easement) of NREPA and development rights programs under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act.

I voted yes because the Treasury has been delaying issuing income tax refunds in a timely manner on PA 116 claims. This legislation is a result of a reinterpretation of the law that has been in place for half a century.

YES on SB 95: creates the Hospital Price Transparency act, conditioning collection actions by hospitals on their compliance with hospital price transparency laws.

I voted yes because price transparency can help lower the cost of hospital services. Requiring compliance to pursue collection activity both protects patients who were billed unexpected amounts and implements an enforcement mechanism that does not rely on the state.

YES on SB 82: would adopt a new act called the “Judicial Protection Act”, designed to protect the personal information and physical safety of Michigan judges, their families, and their household members.

I voted yes because we should protect our judges and their immediate family members from threats that can exist from disclosure of their private information.

YES on SB 158: would create new sections of law, aimed at regulating online ticket sales.

I voted yes because this bill is essential to ending the use of ticket bots, which purchase large quantities of tickets to an event, the instant they go on sale. Ticket bots are unfair to individual customers and artificially drive up the price for attending an entertainment event.

YES on SB 23: modifies the Land Division Act to allow for an increased number of parcel divisions.

I support because this would allow for increased parceling as needed, subject to local ordinances for splits beyond what the statute already authorizes. This gives developers flexibility to split a parcel of land into sizes suitable for residential properties, which could help increase housing supply.

NO on SB 25: allows a motor vehicle repair facility to operate an auxiliary facility under the same registration.

I voted no because this bill contains fee increases.

YES on SB 512 & 513: makes a variety of updates to the Liquor Code.

This updates the Liquor Control Code to reflect today’s market more accurately. Allowing the MLCC to suspend licenses for repeated dishonored payments helps provide stability to the three-tier system.

YES SB 96-98: would allow childcare organizations to install temporary door locking devices in their buildings.

I voted yes because these bills provide requirements for the functionality and installation of temporary door locking devices. o Requires the childcare operator to notify law enforcement the systems or devices are in use and to train staff members on proper use of the system. They also allow for temporary door locking systems installed prior to the effective date of these bills to be grandfathered in under certain circumstances.

YES on SB 93: would increase the allowable annual gross sales to qualify for exemption from licensure for honey and maple syrup producers from up to $15,000 to up to $25,000.

I voted yes because it makes sense to make the thresholds for honey and maple syrup on par with Cottage Food products.

YES on SB 269: allows a qualified airport to directly accept funds from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

I voted yes because this removes an unnecessary step and will shorten the timeline for the distribution of federal funds. This will provide greater flexibility to DTW, which may need to adapt in times of emergency and improve efficiency in daily operations.

YES on HB 4277: prohibits invasive mental health questions on medical licensure applications and only allows two specified broader questions.

I voted yes because prohibiting invasive mental health questions ensures that medical professionals can seek help without fearing unnecessary licensure issues.

YES on HBs 4352-4355: provides police powers for the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA).

I voted yes to help maintain the security and safety of GLWA facilities, some of which are critical infrastructure and potential targets.

YES on HBs 5049-5054: expands the definition of an approved epinephrine delivery system in the Revised School Code, Public Health Code, Childcare Organizations Act, and the Law Enforcement and Firefighter Access to Epinephrine Act.

I voted yes because these bills ensure that law enforcement, firefighters, teachers, school nurses, summer camp counselors and other authorized parties can respond to allergic reactions and save lives.

YES on HB 4486: prohibits local ordinances and policies from restricting the use of natural gas appliances.

I voted yes because local governments should not be allowed to decide what type of furnace or stove homeowners can buy and use. Natural gas is cheaper than electricity, so we should allow people to continue to use it for things like heating and cooking.

YES on HB 4933: removes the occupational license for an employment and consulting agent of I supported HB 4933 because this bill deregulates career consulting and employment service agencies and removes unnecessary fees associated with licensure.

YES on HB 4892: eliminates a duplicative licensing requirement for CPAs that operate as sole proprietorships.

I voted yes because this bill makes it easier for CPAs to operate a sole proprietorship.

YES on HB 4919: allows for a quicker automatic removal and application process for immediate removal of licensing citations for failure to complete continuing education requirements under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.

I voted yes to allow licensees to have minor infractions that have been corrected removed from a record more quickly.

YES on HB 4927: amends the Occupational Code to lower the required number of hours to 1,500 for individuals who seek a barber’s license.

I support this bill because Michigan should be more competitive and reduce an unnecessary burden on its barbers.

YES on HB 4895: requires the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to allow continuing education for licensed occupations to be completed remotely.

I support this bill that gives individuals and businesses the choice of how they want to complete their continuing education requirements.

YES on HB 4914: replaces the requirement for a firm to have a minimum of 2/3 of its principals licensed to practice architecture, professional engineering, or professional surveying with 51%.

I voted yes because currently, any services being performed by an individual that are protected by licensure will need to be carried out by a licensee, regardless of the firm's ownership. The bill reduces barriers and promotes the free market.

YES on HB 5284: allows for the removal of a disciplinary action for failure to complete continuing education requirements for certain licenses under the Occupational Code.

I voted yes because allowing the removal of minor infractions will ensure that licensees are not penalized for an oversight on continuing education that could impact their livelihood for up to 5 years.

YES on HBs 4556 & 4557: to remove the requirements that the Michigan Merit Examination (MME) must include a writing component and that schools include a student’s scaled score on each subject area component of the MME on their high school transcript.

Why I support these bills: eliminating the mandated MME test score from the transcript still allows the student the choice to put it on the transcript for free but does not force them to use a score. Schools do a much better job assessing their students’ writing abilities on their own through essays or other structured writing throughout the curriculum.

YES on HB 4774: requires state departments to use a qualifications-based selection (QBS) process when reviewing contracts for engineering, architectural, or land surveying services.

I support HB 4774 because beginning the negotiations with the most experienced firms could help raise issues that weren’t considered when the department issues a request for proposal.

YES on HB 5059: allows a spirit vendor to provide complimentary bottle engraving services before selling the bottle to a customer.

Why I support this: Engraving services are cosmetic and have nothing to do with the actual alcoholic beverage, and this is a service that consumers desire and it enhances the consumer experience.

YES on SB 136: puts Michigan law in compliance with recently updated federal mammography regulations. This bill brings Michigan in compliance with federal law.

YES on HB 4262: would create new sections of law, aimed at regulating online ticket sales.

I voted yes because this bill is essential to ending the use of ticket bots, which purchase large quantities of tickets to an event, the instant they go on sale. Ticket bots are unfair to individual customers, and artificially drive up the price for attending an entertainment event.

YES on HB 4065: amends the Liquor Control Code to allow Macomb Community College to sell alcohol at additional campus venues.

I voted yes because this helps make more venues on Macomb Community College’s campus attractive to host events. Other facilities on campus already have this ability, there is no reason these venues should not as well.

YES on HB 4493: exempts concession locations operated by blind individuals from licensure under the Food Law.

I voted yes because this eliminates a duplicative licensure requirement and assists blind business owners by reducing license fees. This bill would be of minimal cost to the state – MDARD received only $14,627 in payments from these fees.

YES On HB 4122: would update and modernize Michigan’s Cottage Food Law by allowing increased revenue, enabling internet, mail order and third-party delivery sales, and providing safeguards for participants with an optional registration system.

I voted yes because Michigan’s Cottage Food law has proven successful over its first decade of existence, and it is time to increase the freedoms available to these startup entrepreneurs. The optional registration number provides additional safeguards for participants.

Brad Paquette - State Representative

05/29/2026

05/13/2026

04/24/2026

04/17/2026

03/03/2026

02/23/2026

02/03/2026

01/23/2026

01/09/2026

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