BILL PACKAGE HBs 4928 & 4930:  School Bus Stop Arm Safety Bill Package

Sponsors:  Reps. Shannon (D) & T. Carter (D)                       

Passages:  65-39 *Previous Bills

Why I voted NO: Convicting someone of a civil infraction by photograph or video is dangerous since these systems could be hacked and individuals could be wrongfully accused.

– – –

HB 4027:  Provides guidelines for the Michigan Department of Education to certify public schools as Purple Star Program schools.

Sponsor:  Rep. Zorn (R)                 

Passage:  100-5 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.

– – –

HB 4682:  Amends the Recreational Trespassing law to require signs to be posted at intervals of not more than 250 feet along the boundary. This will provide a clear, attainable and reasonable standard for both property owners and law enforcement so the recreational trespassing law can be enforced as intended.

Sponsor:  Rep. Slagh (R)               

Passage:  104-1 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This legislation will provide a clear, attainable and reasonable standard for both property owners and law enforcement so the recreational trespassing law can be enforced as intended.

– – –

BILL PACKAGE HBs 4944 & 4963:  Amends the insurance code to REQUIRE insurers cover hearing examinations and aid devices for children.

Sponsors:  Reps. Zorn (R) & Steckloff (D)               

Passages:  76-29 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted NO: Premiums are already high, and child hearing issues are relatively rare. Requiring coverage may increase costs for other enrollees. Children that have a disability also qualify for secondary insurance that provides coverage for hearing aids. Therefore, I do not believe that this legislation is necessary.

– – –

BILL PACKAGE SBs 982-984 & 1050:  Telecom providers conversion from corporation to LLC

Sponsors:  Sens. Singh (D), Lauwers (D), & Anthony (D)                  

SBs 982-984 Passages:  104-1 with Immediate Effect

SB 1050 Passage:  103-2 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Other telephone companies in the state have already done this. Companies shouldn’t be prevented from doing this if it has no impact on their service, legal obligations, or tax liability.

– – –

HB 4924:  Designates a portion of I-94 in Wayne County the “Corporal Mohamed Said Memorial Highway.”

Sponsor:  Rep. Farhat (D)                             

Passage:  102-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Our law enforcement personnel continually place themselves in danger on behalf of our citizens and state. This highway naming allows us to express our gratitude and appreciate to Officer Mohamed Said and his service to our state and the City of Melvindale.

– – –

HB 5304:  Amends the Michigan Vehicle code to prohibit trucks from driving in the left lane on a three or more-lane freeway.

Sponsor:  Rep. Bruck (R)               

Passage:  85-17 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted NO: This legislation could require additional signage on three or more-lane freeways and in construction zones to communicate the new law.

– – –

HB 5781:  Updates the references to the Internal Revenue Code in the Michigan ABLE to provide greater saving opportunities.

Sponsor:  Rep. McDonnell (D)                    

Passage:  102-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This will allow for greater savings opportunities for MiABLE accounts.

– – –

BILL PACKAGE HB 5783 & SB 1001:  Expands eligible “qualified higher education expenses” under the Michigan education savings program to include fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for participation in an apprenticeship program.

Sponsors:  Rep. Morse (D) & Sen. Bayer (D)                         

Passages:  102-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This will provide greater flexibility for what these savings programs can be used for.