SE Grand Rapids News

Rep. Smit has provided explanations for his votes on various bills and resolutions during the week of May 20, 2025. These legislative items cover a range of topics from highway naming to budget proposals.

House Bill 4100, sponsored by Rep. Bruck, passed with a vote of 106-1. It aims to rename a portion of M-50 in Monroe County as the Animal Control Officer Darrian Young Memorial Highway. Rep. Smit stated, "This highway naming allows us to express our gratitude and appreciation for Animal Control Officer Darrian Young for her service to the state."

House Bill 4105, introduced by Rep. Tisdel, was approved with a vote of 105-2. It proposes renaming a section of M-150 in Oakland County as the William S. Broomfield Memorial Highway. According to Rep. Smit, "Our State Representatives and Congressman work to ensure safety and prosperity on behalf of our citizens and state."

Another bill, HB 4145 sponsored by Rep. Schmaltz, passed unanimously at 107-0 and seeks to rename part of US-127 in Jackson County as the 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Memorial Highway. Rep. Smit expressed that this action is meant "to express our gratitude and appreciation for 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger for his bravery and service."

House Bill 4267 from Rep. Rigas received approval with a vote count of 104-3, aiming to name a portion of M-6 in Kent County as the Keagan Spencer Memorial Highway. On this matter, Rep. Smit remarked on the role of emergency responders: "Our emergency responders continually place themselves in danger on behalf of our citizens and state."

In another development, House Bill 4010 designates Harrison Township as “Boat Town USA.” Sponsored by Rep. St. Germaine, it passed with an 83-24 vote count.

Rep. Bohnak's HB 4287 exempts certain broadband grants from state income taxes and was passed with a vote tally of 97-8.

House Bill 4203, proposed by Rep. Johnsen, amends the Michigan Vehicle Code concerning tow trucks' exemptions from certain restrictions when removing vehicles from restricted roads; it passed unanimously at 105-0.

A package consisting of HBs 4343 and 4344 provides exemptions for vehicles assisting during emergencies or disasters under specific conditions; these were supported with votes of 104-1 and 103-2 respectively.

Resolution HJR 113 addresses sending back the Senate Budget Proposal for revisions due to concerns about its legality and balance; it was adopted narrowly at a vote count of 58-48.

Resolution HJR 117 involves holding Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in contempt over unredacted election training materials; it was adopted with a similar margin at a vote count of 58-47.

Lastly, HB packages involving physical therapy licensure (HBs 4101 & 4380) were approved at votes totaling around two dissenters each time while another package regarding sports team designations based on biological sex (HBs 4066 & 4469) saw close passage votes at margins such as 58-46 and 59-45 respectively.