SE Grand Rapids News

State Representative Rachelle Smit (R-Hastings) has released explanations for her recent votes on several bills considered in the Michigan House during the week of September 9.

On House Bill 4549, which allows motor vehicle repair facilities to operate an auxiliary facility under the same registration, Smit supported the measure. She explained, "This eliminates burdensome regulatory requirements for vehicle repair shops that just need an additional building for more space." The bill passed with a vote of 100-4.

Smit was also the sponsor of House Bill 4602. This legislation aims to prevent the Secretary of State’s office from entering into contracts that give exclusive control over creating test decks with predetermined results to a single vendor or entity. Smit said, "There should be a variety of sources for test data to ensure that all possible scenarios are addressed. If we only use a single vendor, we are potentially creating scenarios that have blind spots for errors or potential fraud." The bill passed 63-41.

A package including House Bills 4598 and 4599 received Smit's support as well. HB 4598 expands the Organized Retail Crime Act to include various forms of gift card fraud, while HB 4599 provides definitions to align language in the Act. According to Smit, "This helps close a hole in the Organized Retail Crime Act that fails to address gift card fraud." Both bills passed by a margin of 103-1.

House Bill 4755 amends the Consumer Protection Act to further protect consumers from deceptive online ticket sales practices. Smit voted yes, stating: "Consumers using online platforms to purchase event tickets deserve additional protections from unscrupulous ticket sellers. There are far too many instances where the price of a ticket rises substantially during the course of a transaction, due to add-ons and fees. Also, many times it is not always clear what entity is selling the ticket for the venue. A change in the law should be made to protect consumers from these unfair practices." The measure passed with strong bipartisan support.

However, Smit opposed House Bill 4012, which would allow emergency medical transportation for retired police dogs using ambulances. She explained her position: "Expanding the allowed uses of ambulances to retired police dogs could spread services too thin at a critical time when someone needs emergency care. In the event of an emergency, the owner of a retired police dog should assume the responsibility of transportation." The bill still passed with a vote count of 61-43.

On House Bill 4349—which would permit cities under certain conditions to contract for maintenance on private roads—Smit voted yes because she felt it contained adequate checks regarding property owner notice and consent as well as assessment district reauthorization.

Lastly, she supported House Bill 4750 amending foster care laws so that benefits applied for on behalf of foster youths are conserved specifically for those youths themselves. She said: "Benefits foster youth are entitled to should go to them, and the benefits could serve as a starting point for those aging out of the system."

The legislative activity reflects ongoing efforts by Michigan lawmakers this session aimed at reducing regulatory barriers for businesses and providing increased consumer protection measures across several sectors.