BILL PACKAGE HBs 4262-4263:  Would create new sections of law, aimed at regulating online ticket sales.

Sponsors:  Reps. Harris (R) & McFall (D)                            

Passages:  104-1 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: These bills are essential to ending the use of ticket bots, which purchase large quantities of tickets to an event, the instant they go on sale. Ticket bots are unfair to individual customers, and artificially drive up the price for attending an entertainment event.

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HB 4493:  Exempts concession locations operated by blind individuals from licensure under the Food Law.

Sponsor:  Rep. Thompson (R)                  

Passage:  101-4 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This change would be of minimal cost to the state – MDARD received only $14,627 in payments from these fees.

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HB 4367:  Requires the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to create a Purple Star Program for public schools to help students of military service members.

Sponsor:  Rep. Woolford (R)                     

Passage:  102-4 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The codification of this program will create a standard approach to assisting military-connected students in Michigan and encourage schools to place greater priority on fostering a welcoming environment for these students and their families.

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HB 4396:  Would allow research requests for juvenile court records.

Sponsor:  Rep. Lightner (R)                       

Passage:  103-3 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Granted requests could assist in important research regarding juvenile diversion programs and outcomes.

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HB 4426:  Amends the Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1963 to lower the minimum age to 18 years old for the transportation of intrastate property or passengers, including, but not limited to, hazardous materials.

Sponsor:  Rep. Borton (R)                          

Passage:  85-21 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This legislation aims to expand the workforce while ensuring drivers follow the same training and safety guidelines set forth by the FMSCA.

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HB 4403:  Allows distillers and mixed spirit manufacturers to enter alternating proprietorships.

Sponsor:  Rep. Wendzel (R)                      

Passage:  104-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Brewers and winemakers are already allowed to utilize the alternating proprietorship framework, so we should allow the same for spirit distillers and mixed spirit manufacturers.

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HB 4417:  Requires DHHS to provide opioid antagonists to first responders at no cost if the department provides no cost opioid antagonists to others.

Sponsor:  Rep. Mueller (R)                        

Passage:  100-4 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Fire departments play an important role in emergency response and we should ensure they are properly equipped.

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HB 4214:  Amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to require drivers to prepare to stop by immediately reducing speed and stop their vehicle when they are at a minimum of 20 feet from a school bus that is stopping/stopped and displaying two alternately flashing yellow lights. Drivers cannot proceed until either the school bus resumes motion, or the flashing yellow lights are turned off.

Sponsor:  Rep. Paquette (R)                     

Vote Failed:  52-51

Why I voted YES: The bill provides clarification for school bus drivers, law enforcement, and local units of government that enforce camera-based violations. The bill creates an avenue for law enforcement to hold violators accountable.