HB 4157:  Provides for an excused absence for students in public school for the purposes of playing “Taps” at a military honors funeral for a deceased veteran.

Sponsor: Rep. Coleman (D)
Passage: 103-5 Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Our veterans deserve to be honored for their service, and an authentic rendition of Taps is not only a tradition but a fitting send-off to honor a deceased veteran.

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HB 4145:  Would create the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act. This act would provide a method by which a court can order the seizure of a person’s firearms, even though the person committed no crime, and even though the person was not given notice or an opportunity to defend the accusations against them.

Sponsor: Rep. Puri (D)
Passage: 56-51 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted NO: The “Extreme Risk Protection Order Act” is poorly written and would be extremely difficult to implement. Nothing included in the legislation ensures only people who are an “extreme risk” will lose their right to keep and bear arms. The burden of proof is too low, the proposed hearing process is unfair and one-sided, it offers limited avenues to appeal an order, and it provides no right to an attorney for those who cannot afford one.

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HB 4146:  Would amend multiple sections of this state’s firearms laws to complement the ERPO Act created by HB 4145 (Puri).

Sponsor: Rep. Breen (D)
Passage: 56-51 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted NO: “Red Flag” laws make for great talking points, but the reality is these bills propose taking away an individual’s right to keep and bear a firearm without due process.

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HB 4147:  Would establish rules and procedures for the service of process for orders under the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act.

Sponsor: Rep. Brixie (D)
Passage: 56-51 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted NO: Michigan already has a process to involuntarily commit someone who is mentally ill and a danger to themselves or others. Enforcing the laws already on the books will protect the public and get people who are struggling with their mental health the help they need. That’s a much better option than showing up at someone’s home, taking their guns, and leaving them alone – potentially with access to knives, pills, or other items they could use to harm themselves or others.

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HB 4148:  Would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure, specifically the criminal sentencing guidelines, to add new penalties for violations of the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act.

Sponsor: Rep. Young (D)
Passage: 56-51 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted NO: These bills give the target of an extreme risk protection order no right to an attorney, even though a defendant can be thrown in jail if they don’t immediately comply with an order to surrender their guns. Similar laws in other states disproportionately affect lower-income people who can’t afford to hire a lawyer to defend themselves. In Florida, for example, 80% of the people who had guns confiscated did not have lawyers to defend their rights in court.

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SB 83:  Would create the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act. This act would provide a method by which a court can order the seizure of a person’s firearms, even though the person committed no crime, and even though the person was not given notice or an opportunity to defend the accusations against them.

Sponsor: Rep. McMorrow (D)
Passage: 56-51 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted NO: Any red flag law should include a high burden of proof. For example, an order confiscating a firearm should only be granted when a judge makes the determination, by clear and convincing evidence, that the person poses a significant risk of danger to themselves or others. Additionally, a person’s Second Amendment rights should only be temporarily deprived – and only after a hearing before a judge in which the person is given an opportunity to offer evidence on his or her behalf. The law should also include a robust process allowing an individual to challenge, terminate or appeal the order, with full due process protections in place.

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HB 4064:  Encourages the Michigan Department of Education to create a curriculum for cursive penmanship and, in turn, encourages school districts to incorporate the curriculum into their instruction.

Sponsor: Rep. Carter (D)
Passage: 103-4

Why I voted YES: Many critical historical documents are written in cursive, and understanding cursive allows students to read and understand these documents as written.