Lawmaker named to five committee posts

This week, State Rep. Steve Johnson of Wayland was appointed to serve on five committees for the 2019-2020 legislative term, providing a unique opportunity to help the residents of Allegan and Kent Counties on a variety of important issues facing the state.

Johnson is set to serve as vice chair of the Communications and Technology Committee, and as a member on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, Judiciary, Oversight and Tax Policy committees.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to influence a range of policy areas affecting West Michigan families,” Johnson said. “I am committed to ensuring legislation moving through the House promotes transparency, personal freedom and accountability, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring innovative solutions to the table.”

The House Judiciary Committee will be one of a select few panels with the authority to report legislation to the House floor for consideration. In addition to handling issues related to Michigan’s criminal justice system, the panel will review and vet legislation from any House committee that creates or changes criminal penalties in the state.

“I’m looking forward to digging into criminal justice issues facing Michigan families,” Johnson said. “Things like civil asset forfeiture need to be reviewed and changed so in the future, ownership of seized personal property is no longer transferred to the government without a conviction.”

Rep. Johnson is currently in his second term serving the 72^nd House District, which includes Dorr, Leighton, Wayland and Gaines Townships as well as the cities of Kentwood and Wayland.