Rep. Iden: Michigan should be forward-thinking, move gaming online

House panel approves proposals prioritizing consumer protections, increasing state revenue In a continued effort to update the way gaming is conducted and regulated statewide, the House Regulatory Reform Committee today overwhelmingly approved wide-ranging, bipartisan legislation spearheaded by state Rep. Brandt Iden.  The sweeping plan establishes and updates Michigan gaming regulations, and reflects modern technology. Under…

House plan offers additional protections for first responders

State Reps. Ryan Berman, Brandt Iden and Jeff Yaroch have introduced a plan to stiffen penalties for criminals who threaten or carry out targeted attacks on first responders and corrections officers in Michigan. Berman, who serves as a reserve police officer, said attacks on law enforcement officers and other first responders have increased over the…

Rep. Iden takes ceremonial oath of office on House floor

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Samantha Zandee (Legislative Director), Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen Markman, Bonnie Iden (mother), Georgia Crabtree (aunt), Rep. Brandt Iden and Ashlyn Iden (sister). PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Brandt Iden, of Oshtemo Township, was joined by family as he was sworn in at the state Capitol today for his third term as…

Rep. Iden’s gaming plans head to the governor

Proposals prioritize consumer protections, increase state revenue The Michigan House today approved a variety of measures introduced by state Rep. Brandt Iden updating the way gaming is conducted and regulated statewide. House Bills 4926-4928 legalize and regulate internet gaming in Michigan by creating a division of internet gaming within the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The…

Michigan Legislature approves Rep. Iden’s plan making schools safer, OK2SAY permanent

  The state Legislature today gave final approval to Rep. Brandt Iden’s proposal making the OK2SAY program a permanent part of Michigan’s strategy to improve school safety. OK2SAY allows the confidential reporting of tips on potentially harmful or criminal activity directed at students, school employees or school buildings. The system helps distribute important information to…

Rep. Iden: Occupational licensing reform will alleviate burdensome restrictions

The Michigan House of Representatives today overwhelmingly approved multiple, bipartisan plans spearheaded by state Rep. Brandt Iden, of Oshtemo, giving those with criminal records a better chance in finding employment. Iden’s legislation, House Bill 6110, which is the lead bill in the package, makes it easier for an individual applying for a state occupational license…

Rep. Iden: Local drivers get relief from driver responsibility fee elimination

State Rep. Brandt Iden today said the new law eliminating punitive driver responsibility fees in Michigan took effect this week, bringing relief to hundreds of thousands of motorists. Iden, of Oshtemo Township, voted for the plan, which was signed into law in March as part of a multi-bill package ending the fees and offering full…

Rep. Iden: Occupational licensing reform will help move Michigan forward

State Rep. Brandt Iden, chair of the House Regulatory Reform Committee, Wednesday testified before the committee in support of a bipartisan bill package that would give those with criminal records a better chance in finding employment. Iden’s plan, House Bill 6110, which is the lead bill in the package, would make it more difficult for…

Michigan State Police official joins Rep. Iden for Sept. 11 ceremony

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Brandt Iden (left), of Oshtemo Township, is joined by Inspector Dale Hinz, Assistant Commander of Michigan State Police’s 5th District, on Thursday during a Michigan House session commemorating the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The ceremony remembers first responders and members of the military from Michigan who died in the line of…

COLUMN: Eliminating red tape for rehabilitated individuals

By state Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo Township For far too long, our definition of ‘rehabilitation’ regarding criminal justice has been the bare minimum. People are released from incarceration every day in Southwest Michigan and around the nation, but are they prepared to succeed in society? Shouldn’t our justice system ensure that those released get…