SE Grand Rapids News

State Representative Rachelle M. Smit (R-Hastings) has released explanations for her votes on several bills considered in the Michigan House during the week of September 24, 2025.

On House Bill 4160, which reinstates provisions preventing state agencies from enacting rules stricter than federal standards except in certain cases, Smit voted in favor. She explained, "Ensuring that Michigan regulations are in-line with their federal counterparts unless there are special circumstances provides stability and certainty for business in Michigan or looking to locate here." The bill passed 59-41.

Smit opposed House Bill 4522, which prohibits trucks from driving in the left lane on freeways with three or more lanes. The legislation passed 92-8. She cited concerns about implementation: "This legislation could require additional signage on freeways with three or more lanes and in construction zones to communicate the new law."

She supported House Bill 4596, a measure changing the timeline for dismissal of criminal charges against defendants deemed incompetent to stand trial. The bill passed 64-36. Smit stated, "Proponents of the bill may argue that individuals should be provided the full 15 months of psychiatric treatment, which they often do not receive under current law, which starts the clock while the defendant is still in jail waiting for a psychiatric bed to become available."

Smit also voted yes on House Bill 4042, exempting rental halls without kitchens from food safety laws. It passed unanimously. According to Smit, "Other establishments that serve food have specific carveouts – this change only pertains to rental halls that do not serve food."

House Bill 4736, sponsored by Smit herself and passing 78-21, clarifies how political parties can replace deceased candidates for county offices before an election. Smit explained her support: "This legislation provides much needed clarity to fix a loophole and treat all county elected offices the same in the event that a political party is left without a candidate following a death. Recent legal opinions clearly state that there is a lack of statutory clarity on this issue. We should have clear laws that guide county clerks, not the opinion of whoever is currently in the Secretary of State’s office."

A package of bills—HBs 4107-4108 & 4847—aimed at limiting liability for bystanders administering emergency bleeding control and adjusting school training programs also received Smit's support. She said, "Bystanders are more likely to intervene, if they are certain they will not be sued for helping to the best of their knowledge and abilities." These measures passed with broad bipartisan support.

Smit backed House Bill 4968 (passed 95-4), bringing Michigan’s Insurance Provider Assessment into compliance with federal rules and taxing Medicaid managed care organizations and commercial insurers at equal rates. She noted federal requirements: "Federal law requires reforming the IPA and approval for the current structure could be rescinded at any time, leading to a sudden revenue shortfall of $2.4 billion."

On House Bill 4961 (also passing 95-4), she supported applying tax credits from previous legislation to state income taxes while separating parts of Michigan’s tax code from federal rules: "Seniors should not be taxed on their Social Security."

Finally, Smit voted yes on House Bill 4951 (passed 78-21), establishing a wholesale excise tax on marijuana sales intended to fund road infrastructure projects: "This will provide additional revenue for the construction, maintenance, and preservation of our roads."