SE Grand Rapids News

Michigan State Representative Rachelle M. Smit (R-Hastings) has provided explanations for her recent votes on several bills during the week of September 3.

A package of bills—House Bills 4358-4359 and 4698-4699—was passed unanimously, modifying the term of office for township, village, and city officials. The new rules ensure that elected officials are sworn in no sooner than noon on December 1. This change addresses timing issues from Proposal 22-2, which delayed post-election canvassing until at least seven days after an election. "These bills are necessary to ensure that the appropriate board of county canvassers has the time necessary to properly certify the results of local races," Smit stated.

House Bill 4746, which requires Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to issue Michigan Bridge Cards with more secure chip technology, also received Smit's support. She explained, "The readily available, more secure technology effectively prevents fraud, decreasing the costs incurred by the state and the benefits stolen from recipients."

Smit voted in favor of House Bill 4398 as well. This bill modifies how ballot proposals regarding Sunday alcohol sales can be placed before voters by allowing county officials to vote instead of requiring a signature collection process. According to Smit: "Allowing county officials to vote to place the measure on the ballot makes potential change easier to achieve, bypassing the signature requirement."

She supported House Bill 4017, which reduces penalties for family farms failing to report deaths or serious injuries within eight hours under certain conditions. "Family members of a farmer suffering a serious injury or death would be expected to be in shock and grieving from the incident and should not suffer government penalties for failing to meet an arbitrary deadline," she said.

Another bill backed by Smit was House Bill 4362. It mandates that Michigan State Police implement a system capable of distributing missing persons alerts via mobile phones for seniors or vulnerable adults. "In missing persons cases mere minutes, or even seconds, can make a tremendous difference in ensuring the missing person is returned home safely and this system aims to provide information rapidly and widely," Smit noted.

On education policy, Smit voted yes on House Bill 4024 requiring educational institutions’ restrooms or changing areas with multiple occupants be used only by individuals based on their sex assigned at birth. She commented: "The bill protects students and athletes when using locker rooms and restrooms."

A legislative package consisting of House Bills 4517 & 4518 also earned her support; these expand eligibility for Amber Alerts and broadcast notifications about missing children—including those with special needs or believed by police to be in danger. Smit explained: "Abducted and missing do not mean the same thing, and ensuring information regarding missing children is disseminated as quickly as possible is crucial towards returning the child home safely."

Smit voted yes on House Bill 4674 as well; it allows next-of-kin vehicle registration renewal upon an owner’s death—a move intended to expedite paperwork processing through MDOS while probate matters are resolved.

For real estate law changes under House Bill 4524—which clarifies rules around preserving interests in land—Smit stated: "The clarifications in this bill will improve the law and make things easier for real estate professionals."

Finally, she supported adding three patient rights advocates (and prohibiting department employees) from serving on recipient rights advisory committees through House Bills 4218-4219. As she put it: "The three additional members that advocate for patient rights contribute to more effective work of the committee in furthering patient’s rights."