INITIATIVE PETITION 1: An initiation of legislation to amend 1976 PA 388, entitled “Michigan campaign finance act”.

Passage: 77-26 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The people of Michigan shouldn’t have to compete with deep-pocketed special interests for the attention of their government. This vote will level the playing field.

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SB 22: Allows a landlord to return a security deposit via direct deposit, electronic fund transfer, or mobile payment application.

Sponsor: Sen. Chang (D)
Passage: 104-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This potentially allows tenants to access their returned security deposits quicker than a check or money order would allow for.

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SB 373: Prohibits rental agreements from imposing additional charges or fees for methods of rent payments.

Sponsor: Sen. Cavanagh (D)
Passage: 99-5 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Paying rent is a legally required component of renting a house or apartment. Renters should not be forced into paying additional fees by their landlord.

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SB 1052: Clarifies that CMS model arrangements and model patient incentives are not considered a kickback or bribe.

Sponsor: Sen. Chang (D)
Passage: 100-4 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The bill facilitates state participation in CMS models.

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SB 527: Would amend the Revised Judicature Act to transfer $1.0 million of the unencumbered balance remaining in the Juror Compensation Reimbursement Fund, which otherwise rolls over into itself for the next fiscal year, to the Court Equity Fund for State fiscal years ending September 30, 2027, 2028, and 2029.

Sponsor: Sen. McBroom (R)
Passage: 104-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Proponents of the bill may argue that this is a budget implementation bill and is therefore necessary to enact.

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SB 569: Would redirect a certain amount of Restricted revenue generated to the General Fund.

Sponsor: Sen. Anthony (D)
Passage: 98-6 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: In times of economic uncertainty and budget shortfalls, Restricted funds with high balances can be crucial towards filling gaps.

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SB 1013: Would prohibit the use of price optimization by insurers when determining rates.

Sponsor: Sen. Moss (D)
Passage: 97-7 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The bill would ensure that insurers are not charging consumers more simply because they believe the consumer won’t do anything about it.

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BILL PACKAGE HBs 5920-5921: Would amend the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman Act to provide for enhanced legislative oversight over the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Sponsors: Reps. Wortz (R) & Bohnak (R)
Passages: 102-2 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Proponents of the bill may argue that these bills increase legislative oversight powers over the MDOC. These bills expand who can make complaints to the Ombudsman, and increase that official’s authority to inspect conditions within Michigan prison facilities. It is said that sunshine is the best disinfectant. Bringing greater transparency to conditions in MDOC prisons will help support improvements in safety and humane treatment for both prisoners and MDOC employees.

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HB 4813: Updates definitions and makes a technical fix in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

Sponsor: Rep. Pavlov (R)
Passage: 97-1 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The bill will help ease school transitions of Armed Forces and National Guard families.

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HB 5940: Would allow for the siting and co-location of overhead electric transmission infrastructure within existing rights-of-way (ROW) on any limited-access highway.

Sponsor: Rep. Prestin (R)
Passage: 98-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: By opening all highway ROWs to high-voltage transmission co-location, Michigan can become a regional and national leader in transmission siting.

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HB 5648: Requires public schools to give high school credit to 12th grade students who work full-time in an approved trade occupation that aligns with career and technical education (CTE).

Sponsor: Rep. Woolford (R)
Passage: 59-39 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The bill allows students to enter the trades during their senior year of high school.

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HB 5452: Would eliminate the sunset date on trial courts’ ability to impose court costs when sentencing a criminal defendant. Currently, the sunset date is December 31, 2026. If the Legislature does not extend or eliminate the sunset provision, trial courts would lose a significant amount of revenue. The amount of revenue fluctuates each year, but has ranged between $25 and $30 million per year statewide.

Sponsor: Rep. Lightner (R)
Passage: 84-14 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Proponents of the bill would argue that the current revenue stream should be maintained so that local trial courts can remain operational. Therefore, eliminating the sunset is necessary.

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HB 6243: Modifies the list of excepted home purchases for investors under PA 32 of 2026.

Sponsor: Rep. Posthumus (R)
Passage: 83-15 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This helps ensure houses built under build-to-rent programs and other housing development programs can be appropriately liquidated.

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HB 5803: Exempts public and nonpublic schools from childcare licensing requirements for preschool classrooms.

Sponsor: Rep. Bierlein (R)
Passage: 56-42 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The bill removes redundant regulation so schools can focus their time and resources on students.

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HB 5356: Makes a variety of updates to the Michigan Vehicle Code.

Sponsor: Rep. Schuette (R)
Passage: 82-16 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This clarifies and modernizes a number of regulatory issues that are important to auto dealers and the Secretary of State.

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HB 5359: Would create an income tax credit for retailers that sell E15 or E85 ethanol fuels.

Sponsor: Rep. Bierlein (R)
Passage: 77-21 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Increasing the availability of E15 and E85 gives consumers greater choice at the pump, making cheaper fuels more widely available.

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HR 350: A resolution to create a select committee on the rules and procedures of the Board of State Canvassers and the Bureau of Elections.

Sponsor: Rep. Hall (R)
Resolution Adopted: 57-41 along party lines

Why I voted YES: This select committee is necessary to ensure the proper rules and procedures are being followed.