HB 4857:  Adds peer support services to the list of critical incident stress management services and expands confidentiality protections to individuals who are not emergency service providers.

Sponsor:  Rep. Bruck (R)                           

Passage:  102-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: While traumatizing incidents are much more common for emergency service providers, there are numerous circumstances in which a regular person might have a traumatic experience.

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HB 4893:  Modifies the required hours of instruction for certified public accountants.

Sponsor:  Rep. Tisdel (R)                           

Passage:  93-9 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This makes it easier for individuals aiming to become licensed as a CPA without needlessly watering down standards.

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HB 4937:  Would modify bear hunting regulations to allow for a “bear backup hunting license”. This new license allows an individual with a valid base license to accompany a licensed bear hunter and shoot a bear that has already been wounded by the primary hunter.

Sponsor:  Rep. Fairbairn (R)                    

Passage:  84-17 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This legislation adds safety for hunters when an initial shot doesn’t take down the bear.

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HB 4926:  Allows for setting aside licensing disciplinary records for failure to complete continuing education requirements under Public Health Code.

Sponsor:  Rep. St. Germaine (R)                            

Passage:  90-12 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Allowing for the removal of these minor infractions will ensure that individuals who have since completed the required education can continue to hold employment in a field that is critically in need of qualified individuals.

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HB 5089:  Establishes memorial highway namings on three portions of M-60 in Jackson County.

Sponsor:  Rep. Lightner (R)                      

Passage:  102-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This highway naming allows us to express our gratitude and appreciation for their bravery and service.

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HB 5078:  Designates a portion of highway M-22 in Leelanau County the “Company K Indian Veterans 1st Michigan Sharpshooters Civil War Memorial Highway.”

Sponsor:  Rep. Roth (R)                              

Passage:  101-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Many soldiers in Company K gave their lives in service to our country and should be recognized for their contributions to the Union Army during the Civil War.

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BILL PACKAGE HBs 4220-4221:  Allows telehealth visits for pets.

Sponsors:  Reps. Aragona (R) & Pohutsky (D)                  

Passages:  84-17 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted NO: This legislation only applies to pets. If we are going to allow for telehealth we should be allowing for large breed animals also and require that the Veterinarian’s are licensed in Michigan for the services.

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HB 4351:  Would rename a portion of US-41 in Menominee County as the SPC David Anthony Wilkey Jr. Memorial Highway.

Sponsor:  Rep. Prestin (R)                        

Passage:  101-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Our military personnel continually place themselves in danger on behalf of our citizens and state to defend the interests of our country.

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HB 4843:  Would allow police officers to use a new form of electro-muscular disruption technology (gloves sometimes referred to as Tiger Paws), in addition to the traditional tool of Tasers for less-than-lethal weapons technology.

Sponsor:  Rep. Mueller (R)                       

Passage:  86-15 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Police agencies should be allowed to use this new technology as part of their repertoire of less-than-lethal use of force options. This bill enables police departments to do that.

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BILL PACKAGE HBs 4481-4483:  Would create new requirements for the creation and maintenance of a concealed pistol license reciprocity website.

Sponsors:  Reps. DeBoyer (R), Hoadley (R), & Aragona (R)                        

Passages:  92-9 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This bill package would help Michigan concealed pistol license holders better understand which states grant reciprocity for carrying a concealed pistol in that state, with a Michigan license.

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SB 370:  The bill would enact a new law to require the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to create and operate a Tricare premium reimbursement program.

Sponsor:  Sen. Singh (D)                            

Passage:  100-1 with Immediate Effect

I voted YES

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BILL PACKAGE SBs 540 & 542:  SB 540 (Hertel) would create the Michigan National Guard Child Care Assistance Act. SB 542 (Klinefelt) would lapse the balance of the National Guard Tuition Assistance Fund to the Member Benefit Fund.

Sponsors:  Sens. Hertel (D) & Klinefelt (D)                        

Passages:  97-4 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The bills would create a childcare assistance program, which could serve as a valuable recruiting tool for new members and a benefit for existing Guard members.