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Rep. Smit’s vote explanations | week of Sept. 24
RELEASE|September 29, 2025
Contact: Rachelle Smit

HB 4160:  reinstates provisions removed by SB 14 of last session which prohibited a state agency from adopting rules more stringent than the applicable federal standard with certain exemptions.

Sponsor:  Rep. Johnsen (R)                       

Passage:  59-41 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Ensuring that Michigan regulations are in-line with their federal counterparts unless there are special circumstances provides stability and certainty for business in Michigan or looking to locate here.

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HB 4522:  Amends the Michigan Vehicle code to prohibit trucks from driving in the left lane on freeway with three or more lanes.

Sponsor:  Rep. Bruck (R)                            

Passage:  92-8 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted NO: This legislation could require additional signage on freeways with three or more lanes and in construction zones to communicate the new law.

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HB 4596:  Would change the required timeline for dismissal of criminal charges against a defendant determined incompetent to stand trial.

Sponsor:  Rep. Wortz (R)                            

Passage:  64-36 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Proponents of the bill may argue that individuals should be provided the full 15 months of psychiatric treatment, which they often do not receive under current law, which starts the clock while the defendant is still in jail waiting for a psychiatric bed to become available.

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HB 4042:  Exempts rental halls that do not have a kitchen or food preparation area from the Food Law.

Sponsor:  Rep. T. Carter (R)                       

Passage:  99-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Other establishments that serve food have specific carveouts – this change only pertains to rental halls that do not serve food. 

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HB 4736:  Would clarify the process for when a political party’s nominated candidate for County Commissioner and County Executive can be replaced if she or he should die prior to the election.

Sponsor:  Rep. Smit (R)                              

Passage:  78-21 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This legislation provides much needed clarity to fix a loophole and treat all county elected offices the same in the event that a political party is left without a candidate following a death. Recent legal opinions clearly state that there is a lack of statutory clarity on this issue. We should have clear laws that guide county clerks, not the opinion of whoever is currently in the Secretary of State’s office. 

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BILL PACKAGE HBs 4107-4108 & 4847:  Limit liability for bystanders applying emergency bleeding control and adjust school training programs.

Sponsors:  Reps. Harris (R), Prestin (R), Frisbie (R)        

HB 4107 Passage:  96-3 with Immediate Effect

HBs 4108 & 4847 Passages:  99-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Bystanders are more likely to intervene, if they are certain they will not be sued for helping to the best of their knowledge and abilities. 

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HB 4968:  Brings the Insurance Provider Assessment in compliance with CMS proposed rules and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act by taxing Medicaid managed care organizations and commercial insurance providers at an equal rate.

Sponsor:  Rep. VanWoerkom (R)                            

Passage:  95-4 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Federal law requires reforming the IPA and approval for the current structure could be rescinded at any time, leading to a sudden revenue shortfall of $2.4 billion.

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HB 4961:  Applies tax credits from the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act to state income taxes and decouples provisions of the state tax code from the federal tax code.

Sponsor:  Rep. Bollin (R)                            

Passage:  95-4 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Seniors should not be taxed on their Social Security.

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HB 4951:  Creates the Comprehensive Road Funding Tax Act and levies a 24% wholesale excise tax on marihuana.

Sponsor:  Rep. Steckloff (R)                      

Passage:  78-21 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This will provide additional revenue for the construction, maintenance, and preservation of our roads.

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