05/18/2026
Lansing Update 5/18/26: I wanted to provide you all with my vote explanations for the last two weeks- sorry for not posting them sooner! If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to comment or reach out to my office. Some explanations may be short due to the number of votes.
I voted YES on HB 4694 (Rep. Markkanen), which would allow local governments to create authorities that can acquire, develop, manage, and preserve public forests. This will provide more local control and tools to conserve our natural resources while providing opportunities to sustainable economic activity. This legislation passed the Senate 28-9, the House 103-2, and has been signed into law by the Governor (PA 12’26”).
I voted YES on HB 5710/11 (Reps. Wendzel and Outman- Project Lighthouse). This legislation would reprioritize Michigan’s energy policy to be determined by reliability and affordability, eliminate the 2023 100% clean energy mandates, prohibit utility companies from using rate payer dollars for political purposes, and require full cost accounting of our energy sources. This legislation passed out of the House 58-47 and 57-48.
I voted YES on HBs 5425/26 (Rep. Bierlein), which would expand the list of employers where a registered s*x offender cannot be employed to include martial arts studios, dance studios, summer camps, tutoring, bowling alleys, laser tag, and any other business that allows for unsupervised access to individuals less than 18 years of age. Shockingly, this was not a unanimous vote and passed out of the House 96-9.
I voted YES on HB 4839 (Rep. Lightner), requires Michigan Medicaid to cover lower-cost generic drugs instead of brand name drugs when an equivalent generic exists, unless a doctor specifically determines the brand name medication is medically necessary. This would save the state $100 million dollars annually in Medicaid costs. This legislation passed 63-43.
I voted YES on HBs 4556/57 (Reps. Kunse and Koleszar), which would remove the requirement that Michigan students’ standardized test scores and SAT writing component results be included on high school transcripts while updating outdated testing provisions in state law. Many colleges and universities are now test-optional, yet Michigan students are still uniquely required to display standardized test scores on their transcripts, potentially putting them at a disadvantage compared to out-of-state applicants. The bills also eliminate an outdated writing test requirement that is no longer commonly used nationwide and allows schools to focus on more meaningful ways to evaluate student writing skills through coursework and classroom assessments. This legislation passed out of the House 105-0, the Senate 24-9, and was signed by the Governor and assigned PA 10’26”.
I voted YES on HBs 5744/45 (Rep. Neeley), which would amend the Michigan Penal Code for an individual who intentionally discharges a firearm at a motor vehicle is guilty of a felony punishable by 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000. This legislation, “Messiah’s Law”, is in honor of Messiah Williams, a three-year-old killed when several men fired weapons into his Flint, Michigan home in 2020. This legislation passed 75-28.
I voted YES on HB 5514 (Rep. Cavitt), which would prohibit the use of blindfolds, mechanical restraints, or physical restraints when transporting children to residential treatment programs. There have been reports of Michigan children being surprised by aggressive third-party organization pickups arranged by guardians in response to the child’s behavioral issues. This occurred to Paris Hilton as a child and she testified in support of this legislation. It passed out of the House 104-1.
I voted YES on HB 5281 (Rep. Harris), which would create the “Third-Party Litigation Funding Transparency Act,” establishing consumer protections, disclosure requirements, and state oversight for companies that finance lawsuits in exchange for a share of future settlements or judgments. This will increase transparency and accountability in a largely unregulated industry, protecting Michigan consumers from predatory contracts. This legislation passed the House 60-45.
I voted YES on HB 5644 (Rep. Outman), which would allow 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. MDOS operated under this practice for nearly two decades, and nurse practitioners routinely evaluate and determine patient disabilities in other areas of medical practice. This legislation passed out of the House 105-0.
I voted YES on HB 4551 (Rep. Mueller), which would transfer MCOLES (Commission on Law Enforcement Standards) from the State police budget to LARA. This ensures MCOLES operates independently from the individuals it licenses.
I voted YES on HB 5329/5331 (Reps. Schriver and Conlin), which would prohibit public entities, state agencies, universities, and community colleges from purchasing or acquiring drones containing software from entities sanctioned by the federal government. This legislation passed 57-49 and 57-45.
I voted YES in support of HR 313 (Rep. Smit), which is a resolution urging Jocelyn Benson to release all information in her possession related to the Southern Poverty Law Center’s operations, including any details concerning the alleged payments to individuals associated with extremist groups and to publicly address her role in the organization. Benson served on the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Board of Directors from 2014-18. She also was a volunteer researcher and undercover investigator for the SPLC before attending law school. Part of this undercover investigative work involved direct engagement with members of extremist groups and networks. The federal indictment alleges SPLC, which long presented itself to donors and the general public as a leading defender against hate and extremism, funneled money to individuals associated with groups like the Ku Klux Klan, the A***n Nations, and the National Socialist Party of America. Benson’s time on the Board of Directors overlapped when these actions allegedly occurred. House Resolution 313 urges Benson to publicly address what role she had involving decisions within the organization and to release all information in her possession related to SPLC’s alleged scheme. This resolution passed 56-50.
I voted YES on HB 5636 (Rep. Hoskins), which would rename a portion of US-24 as the Deputy Claude Wilson Memorial Highway. Deputy Sheriff Claude Wilson was tragically struck and killed from injuries sustained in the line of duty when his vehicle was hit by a drunk driver. Deputy Wilson served with the Oakland County Sheriff's Department for ten years. He is survived by his brother and aunt. This legislation passed 104-0.
I voted YES on HB 4935 (Rep. Fairbairn), which would enter Michigan into the Dental state compact, allowing dentists and dental hygienists to practice in all other member states (and open the door for Michigan to acquire dentistry talent from 12 other states). This legislation passed 94-10.
I voted YES on HB 4779 (Rep.Wendzel), which would mandate the use of a surgical smoke plume evacuation system for certain surgeries. This bill improves safety by reducing exposure to surgical smoke plume and passed out of the House 96-8.
I voted YES on HB 5797 (Rep. Fairbairn), which would allow Northern school districts to waive up to 4 days of instructional school day time due to the massive winter storms during the 2025-26 school year. This legislation passed out of the House 99-5.
I voted YES on SB 729 (Sen. McCann), which would exempt $421 million dollars in bonds from counting toward the State Building Authority’s cap. This change is needed because a change in federal law unintentionally caused refinanced bonds that previously didn’t cost towards the cap to now be included, artificially limiting the state’s borrowing capacity. Without this fix, Michigan would be restricted in funding critical infrastructure projects previously planned. This bill does not increase any spending and simply restores the flexibility the state had before the federal tax code change. This legislation passed out of the Senate 25-10 and the House 96-7.
I voted YES on HBs 5388/5515 (Reps. Slagh and Hoadley). Current law allows for the legal carrying of pepper spray but it must be limited in its potency. Michigan is only one of 5 states without more potent pepper spray for personal protection and HB 5388 would allow for increased strains of pepper spray in the state and passed out of the House 61-45. HB 5515 would allow for the concealed carrying of a fishing knife and non-folding knives shorter than 6 inches. This change is for our sportsmen and passed 58-48.
I voted YES on HB 5719 (Rep. Mueller), which would move the Michigan Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council (PACC) to LARA, and would remove the Attorney General from the council. This change was requested by the PACC and passed out of the House 60-45.
I voted YES on HB 4733 (Rep. Pavlov), which would allow people to store more fish legally if they process it (helpful for family vacations and fishing trips). This legislation passed out of the House 85-20.
I voted YES on HB 5836 (Rep. Schriver), which would eliminate March 31 as Cesar Chavez Day in Michigan. Cesar Chavez was the founder of the United Farm Workers in 1962 but there have been recent allegations of s*xual abuse, grooming of minors, and victim retaliation. These allegations have been corroborated by DNA testing. This legislation passed 103-2.
I voted YES on HB 4708 (Rep. St. Germaine), which would amend the process of how marina and boatyard facility owners can enforce liens. Current law allows for the sale of abandoned boats after 180 days, taking up necessary storage. Thie legislation shortens that time period to 60 days and passed out of the House 93-13.
I voted YES on HB 5308 (Rep. Borton), which would reinstate the Great Lakes protection specialty watercraft decal and create a voluntary watercraft regulation fund for invasives. This legislation passed 105-1.
