HB 4445:  Allows people to bait deer during open hunting seasons and reduces restrictions on baiting and feeding deer.

Sponsor:  Rep. Wortz (R)                           

Passage:  66-38 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Baiting is a culturally significant practice for many Michigan hunters, especially in the Lower Peninsula where deer visibility is lower.

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HB 5288:  Prohibits the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) from providing a grant, loan, or other economic assistance to a person on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) entity list; the MSF must amend all existing written agreements to reflect this.

Sponsor:  Rep. Posthumus (R)                

Passage:  104-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Michigan can align with the federal government and international standards by preventing and disincentivizing these harmful practices.

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HB 5455:  Re-enters Michigan into Interstate Medical Licensure Compact after Michigan’s participation sunset in March.

Sponsor:  Rep. Linting (R)                         

Passage:  102-2 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Passing the compact before Michigan completes its exit from the compact ensures continuous licensure for physicians using a compact privilege and saves administration costs compared to leaving the compact or rejoining at a later point.

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BILL PACKAGE HBs 4897-4898 & 4907:  HB 4897 (Martin) – creates five boiler installer licenses and sets requirements for each type of license. HB 4898 (Bollin) – creates five boiler repair licenses and sets requirements for each type of license. HB 4907 (Prestin) – prevents rules that limit certain classes of installers and repairers from completing maintenance and testing and repeals certain administrative rules.

Sponsors:  Reps. Martin (R), Bollin (R), & Prestin (R)                    

Passages:  56-48 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This provides entry-level boiler repairers and installers with a broader scope of work, helping them jumpstart the early portion of their careers.

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HB 4855:  Would allow bow hunters to carry a sidearm for personal protection from aggressive wildlife.

Sponsor:  Rep. Prestin (R)                        

Passage:  90-13 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This legislation would not allow hunters to use firearms to take game but would allow them to use the weapon if faced by an aggressive animal.

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HB 5197:  Would close an existing loophole by prohibiting foreign funding of ballot proposals and initiatives.

Sponsor:  Rep. Smit (R)                             

Passage:  97-6 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The existing loophole allows for foreign funds to influence public policy and elections. This bill closes that loophole.

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HB 5198:  Would amend Michigan election law to require an individual, company, or organization (other than a government entity) providing funds, in-kind goods, or services for election administration to file a sworn certification with the Secretary of State related to whether they receive foreign funding.

Sponsor:  Rep. Bruck (R)                           

Passage:  99-4 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Current law does not provide a mechanism for enforcing the ban of foreign funding for election administration provided by the Michigan Constitution. This bill would resolve this issue.