Steve Cortes, CNN Political Commentator (left) & Rachelle Smit, Michigan House Representative (right) | Facebook
Steve Cortes, CNN Political Commentator (left) & Rachelle Smit, Michigan House Representative (right) | Facebook
Rep. Smit has provided explanations for their votes on various bills considered in the Michigan House of Representatives during the week of May 13, 2025.
HB 4118, sponsored by Rep. Schuette (R), passed with a vote of 104-2 and immediate effect. The bill allows lands owned or controlled by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to be subject to levies for drain assessments. Rep. Smit stated, "By amending the statute to require DNR-owned lands to contribute to drain assessments, we can directly assist in alleviating this financial burden."
A package comprising SBs 99-100 related to personal financial disclosure changes also passed with overwhelming support. SB 99 and SB 100 saw votes of 104-2 and 105-1 respectively, both with immediate effect. The sponsors are Reps. Moss (D) & McBroom (R). On these bills, Rep. Smit remarked, "We should make it as easy as possible to comply with the law."
Another legislative package involving HBs 4103-4104 aims at entering Michigan into the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing practice privileges across member states under specific requirements. Sponsored by Reps. Rogers (D) & Wozniak (R), these bills were approved by a vote of 104-2 with immediate effect.
Rep. Neyer’s HB 4076 requires labeling on food packages that sell artificial meat products, passing with a vote of 99-7 and immediate effect. According to Rep. Smit: "These products are not held to the same food safety and labeling standards as beef."
HB 4276 removes minimum inventory requirements for gas stations selling liquor; sponsored by Rep. Snyder (R), it received unanimous support at a vote of 106-0.
HB 4309 introduces amendments for Michigan's participation in the Physician Assistants Licensure Compact, facilitating practice across state borders; sponsored by Rep. Prestin (R), it passed with a vote count of 103-3.
On school-related measures: HB 4222 requires schools to update emergency operations plans every three years; HB 4226 mandates additional school lockdown drills; HB 4225 ensures student ID cards include OK2SAY contact information—these bills were sponsored by Reps Schmaltz (R), Linting (R), and Steele (R) respectively.
The School Safety Package includes HBs such as those requiring timely notifications from State Police about tips affecting school districts and mandating training for school safety personnel; they passed with varying support but generally strong backing.
Lastly, HB funding measures included significant projects through HB4392 funded via the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund while also prohibiting utility-scale wind or solar additions.
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