Tuesday, May 12, 2026:

I voted no on HB 4694 (Rep. Markkanen), which would add powers for existing and future authorities established under the Recreation Authorities Act. The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to add “recreational authority” to the definition of a local unit of government or public authority.

Explanation: Expanding government powers under the Recreation Authorities Act does not guarantee better management of Michigan’s forests and outdoor recreational facilities. Additional powers often lead to additional expenditures through user fees or increased property taxes via local millages.

Passed, 103-2.

I voted no on HB 5281 (Rep. Harris), which would create the “Third-Party Litigation Funding Transparency Act” and establish rules for third parties funding civil litigation involving another plaintiff.

Explanation: Granting the Department of Insurance and Financial Services authority to regulate these contracts, promulgate rules and establish fees cedes too much power to unelected bureaucrats.

Passed, 60-45.

I voted yes on HB 5644 (Rep. Outman), which would allow certified nurse practitioners, physical therapists and occupational therapists to sign applications for disabled parking placards, special registration plates or free parking stickers.

Explanation: These health professionals work closely with individuals who may need handicapped parking accommodations. If a person meets the criteria, it is reasonable for them to approve the application.

Passed, 105-0.

I voted yes on HB 5710 and HB 5711 (Reps. Wendzel and Outman), which would require reliability and affordability to be prioritized when approving integrated resource plans and would eliminate clean and renewable energy portfolio standards.

Explanation: Reducing burdensome energy mandates would help limit government involvement in the energy sector. As rates continue to rise, affordability, reliability and effectiveness should take priority over ideological targets.

Passed, 58-47 and 57-48.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026:

I voted yes on HB 4551 (Rep. Mueller), which would transfer the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards from the Michigan State Police budget to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs budget.

Explanation: Because MCOLES serves a licensing function, placing it under LARA is a reasonable change and may reduce political influence.

Passed, 56-49.

I voted yes on HB 4839 (Rep. Lightner), which would prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services from covering brand-name drugs under Medicaid when a generic is available, unless the prescriber specifies otherwise.

Explanation: Generic drugs are less expensive than brand-name alternatives. Requiring generic coverage when appropriate could reduce taxpayer costs and is projected to save between $50 million and $100 million annually.

Passed, 63-43.

I voted yes on HB 5329 and HB 5331 (Reps. Schriver and Conlin), which would prohibit public entities from purchasing drones containing software developed by entities on certain federal defense and sanctions lists. The bills would apply federal restrictions to state agencies, universities and community colleges receiving public funding.

Explanation: Public entities should not use drones sourced from entities tied to geopolitical rivals or organizations identified on federal banned lists. Taxpayer dollars should not fund equipment that may pose security risks.

Passed, 57-49 and 57-45.

I voted yes on HR 313 (Rep. Smit), which urges Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to release information related to the Southern Poverty Law Center and publicly address her involvement with the organization.

Explanation: Secretary Benson’s past association with the SPLC raises questions that supporters of the resolution believe warrant public transparency, particularly given her public office and political ambitions.

Passed, 56-50.

Thursday, May 14, 2026:

I voted yes on HB 5636 (Rep. Hoskins), which would rename a portion of U.S. 24 as the Deputy Claude Wilson Memorial Highway.

Explanation: Renaming the highway is a meaningful way to honor Deputy Claude Wilson’s service.

Passed, 104-0.

I voted no on HB 4935 (Rep. Fairbairn), which would enter Michigan into the Dental Compact, allowing dentists and dental hygienists to practice across member states through a compact privilege.

Explanation: Licensure compacts can increase fees, data sharing and oversight by out-of-state commissions. Streamlining Michigan’s licensing system and expanding reciprocity agreements would be preferable alternatives.

Passed, 94-10.

I voted no on HB 4779 (Rep. Wendzel), which would require the use of surgical smoke plume evacuation systems during certain surgeries.

Explanation: Hospitals and surgical centers can already choose to purchase these systems. Mandating their use represents unnecessary government intervention in private health care operations.

Passed, 96-8.

I voted no on HB 5797 (Rep. Fairbairn), which would allow school districts to waive instructional time requirements under certain conditions during the 2025-26 school year.

Explanation: Extending waivers for instructional time sets a concerning precedent when schools already rely heavily on snow days and other closures. Public schools should meet their educational obligations.

Passed, 99-5.

I voted no on HB 5744 and HB 5745 (Rep. Neeley), which would create a felony offense for intentionally discharging a firearm at an occupied motor vehicle.

Explanation: Existing laws already make it illegal to fire at a vehicle, and current statutes provide adequate penalties for such offenses.

Passed, 79-24 and 75-28.

I voted no on SB 729 (Sen. McCann), which would exempt $421.3 million in State Building Authority bonds from the statutory debt cap.

Explanation: Exempting these bonds from the cap would increase the state’s ability to authorize additional capital projects and expand government spending beyond current limits.

Passed, 96-7.