SE Grand Rapids News

Michigan State Representative Rachelle M. Smit (R-Hastings) has provided explanations for her votes on several bills during the week of October 20.

One bill package, HBs 4375-4376, offers sales and use tax exemptions on the trade-in value for electronic devices. The legislation passed with a vote of 71-33. Smit stated, "This protects consumers from double taxation – as sales and use taxes were already paid on the device upon initial purchase, the value of the trade-in should not be taxed as well."

House Bill 4747 allows an income tax deduction for contributions to a 529 plan and was approved by a 72-32 margin. Smit explained her support: "We should be encouraging saving for education, whether that is in Michigan’s plan or through a different plan."

Another measure, HB 4484, codifies existing Medicaid reimbursement for licensed Speech-Language Pathologists and passed overwhelmingly at 102-1. Smit said, "The bill would protect speech-language pathologists from changing department policy."

A package consisting of HBs 4690 & 4691 introduces new mandatory minimum sentences for fleeing and eluding police offenses. It passed with a vote of 59-44. According to Smit: "Proponents of the bill may argue that, when police attempt to stop a vehicle, and the person operating the vehicle flees, the high speeds and erratic driving associated with the flight from police often leads to injury or death for innocent bystanders. Local law enforcement and prosecutors believe that the current penalty schedule for this offense is insufficient to deter this inherently dangerous conduct."

HB 4422 increases fees paid by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to authorized distribution agents (ADAs). The bill passed with a vote of 93-10. Smit commented: "The ADA fee has not kept pace with inflation, and this change is necessary to help offset rising fuel and labor costs."

House Bill 4823 updates liquor regulations including definitions related to nonalcoholic beer and promotional offerings; it passed by a margin of 100-3. Smit said: "This updates the Liquor Control Code to more accurately reflect today’s market with nonalcoholic beer, mixed spirit drinks, and wine coolers."

HB 4824 amends definitions around brand exclusivity in alcohol distribution; it was approved by a vote of 99-4. Smit noted: "Distributors spend time and money promoting brands, and this helps preserve their brand equity."

House Bill 4045 enacts protections against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP lawsuits) under the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act. The measure received unanimous approval at 103-0. Smit stated: "Proponents of the bill may argue that individuals’ First Amendment rights should be protected, and that the law should discourage lawsuits designed to silence individuals who petition their government for redress of grievances."

HB 4666 removes outdated racial language from insurance code statutes; it passed overwhelmingly at 104-1. Smit explained her position: "Removing offensive, outdated language from the MCL is a worthy endeavor."

HB 4665 requires schools to excuse absences for students attending approved agricultural events if they are in good academic standing; it was adopted by a vote of 101-4. According to Smit: "Students spend a lot of time and talent preparing for these events so allowing the absence to be excused would be beneficial for them and for agriculture in general."

A package comprising HBs 4793-4795 eliminates requirements for school board members or community college trustees to file an acceptance of office after taking an oath; it passed unanimously at 105-0. As one sponsor herself, Smit explained: "Having to file an acceptance of office, when an official oath of office is already required, is not only redundant... By removing the acceptance of office, the clerical process becomes streamlined and clear..."

Finally, HB 4039 amends administrative procedures requiring agencies proposing new rules also rescind two existing ones; it was approved by a vote of 59-46. In her explanation Smit wrote: "This bill aims to make Michigan more competitive by improving the regulatory environment..."

These legislative actions cover consumer protection measures on taxation practices regarding electronics trade-ins; incentives supporting educational savings through tax deductions; regulatory adjustments within state liquor laws reflecting current beverage markets; legal reforms addressing SLAPP lawsuits; removal of outdated language from state codes; provisions supporting student participation in agricultural events; streamlining procedures for elected school officials; Medicaid policy codification protecting speech-language pathologists' reimbursements; increased compensation rates reflecting cost changes in liquor distribution logistics; mandatory sentencing adjustments targeting public safety concerns related to fleeing law enforcement officers; as well as efforts intended toward reducing regulatory burdens faced by businesses operating within Michigan.