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Michigan House Republicans
Legislative Update – 6/9/25
RELEASE|June 24, 2025
Contact: Josh Schriver

Bills & Resolutions I New Introductions

Bill Introduced – Restoring Local Control Over Speed Limits

I introduced legislation to let townships, cities, and villages set or adjust speed limits on their own local roads, with approval from their local sheriff or police chief.

This bill responds to real concerns from residents in rural areas, who have reported unsafe driving speeds on dirt roads near residential subdivisions. One-size-fits-all state mandates have made it more difficult for these residents to ensure their road safety concerns are properly addressed. Some of these roads often aren’t designed for high-speed traffic, and excessive traffic speeds make families feel unsafe in their neighborhoods.

The bill does not apply to state highways or freeways, and county roads will remain under county jurisdiction. Importantly, for communities without an in-house civil engineer, the bill allows—but does not require—them to request a speed study from the Michigan State Police (MSP). This provides flexibility for smaller communities to act while still using available resources.

My bill was introduced with bipartisan support, including seven Republican lawmakers and one Democrat who signed on in support of this local control measure.

Co-Sponsored Bill – Currently Labeled “Free” Government Services Must Be Labeled “Taxpayer-Provided” Services

I co-sponsored a bill that requires all state government communication to clearly state when a program, service, or project is “taxpayer-provided.”

Too often, the government takes credit for publicly funded services without acknowledging that you—the taxpayer—are paying for them. This is a simple, no-cost reform that promotes honesty, transparency, and respect for hardworking Michigan tax payers.

Co-Sponsored Resolution – Impeachment of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (HR 118)

I co-sponsored House Resolution 118 to impeach Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for violating Michigan law and undermining public trust in our elections.

She issued illegal signature verification guidance instructing clerks to presume the validity of absentee ballot signatures—without requiring them to check for accuracy. This directly contradicts Michigan Election Law and compromises election integrity.

In O’Halloran v. Benson, she issued binding election guidance—such as her manual “The Appointment, Rights, and Duties of Election Challengers and Poll Watchers”—without following the required rule-making process under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). In court, her legal counsel stated that the Secretary is not bound by the APA, even when a statute clearly requires it—undermining the authority of the Legislature.

She also refused to comply with legally issued subpoenas from the House Oversight Committee regarding election training materials, obstructing legislative oversight.

According to a report from the Legislative Service Bureau, Secretary Benson has been involved in more court battles than any other Michigan Department of State official—a troubling reflection of her repeated defiance of the law.

(NEW) Committee Update

Legal Oversight: Holding Public Officials Accountable

House Oversight Lawsuit Against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson

As an active member of the Michigan House Oversight Committee, I fully support our lawsuit against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. After months of avoiding transparency, her office refused to comply with lawful subpoenas related to election training materials.

Legislative oversight of our state departments is a constitutional duty I take seriously.

Election transparency and integrity is non-negotiable.

(NEW) Vote Record and Reasons Update

HB 4285 – Optional Firearm Safety Elective for Students
PASSED 101–7

I voted YES on HB 4285, which allows middle and high schools to offer an optional elective course in firearm safety. No school is required to offer it. The course would cover basic operation, storing firearms in safe locations, hunter education, and responsible firearm ownership—without the use of live firearms or ammunition.

This bill gives students the opportunity to gain practical safety knowledge in a classroom setting. For communities that choose to make it available, it can help prevent accidents and promote responsible firearm practices.

I was glad to co-sponsor this bill, which just passed the House with strong support.

HB 4420 – Transparency in Enhancement Grant Spending
PASSED 108–0

I voted YES on HB 4420, which requires that any enhancement grant included in a state budget bill must be publicly disclosed before the bill is passed. The bill ensures that the public can see which legislator sponsored the grant, who the intended recipient is, what the grant will be used for, and includes a certification that the legislator has no financial interest in it. It also requires the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget to create a public webpage to display this information. This reform will make the appropriations process more transparent, prevent undisclosed earmarks, and help build public trust in how taxpayer money is spent.

HB 4401 – Permanent $25 Pheasant Hunting License Fee
PASSED 104–4

I voted NO on HB 4401. While $25 may seem small, fees stack up, especially for working families and multigenerational hunters. Hunters already contribute to state conservation funding. This bill locks in another cost when we should be making outdoor traditions more affordable, not less.

HB 4113–4114 – Small Business Liquor Reform Package
BOTH BILLS PASSED 83–25

I voted YES on these two bills:

  • HB 4113 increases the state’s wholesale liquor discount for license holders from 17% to 23%, helping small businesses improve profit margins and stay competitive.
  • HB 4114 prevents the Liquor Control Commission from considering violations older than two years, unless there’s a criminal conviction. This provides a fairer path forward for business owners who’ve addressed past issues.

HB 4189 – Memorial Bridge for Lance Corporal Michael W. Hanks
PASSED 108–0

I gladly voted YES to designate the South Grand Avenue bridge over I-96 as the Lance Corporal Michael W. Hanks Memorial Bridge, honoring a Marine from Fowlerville who was killed in Iraq.

The unanimous vote reflects Michigan’s commitment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to lose their life serving the United States of America.

HB 4301–4302 – Emergency Vehicle Use Reform
BOTH BILLS PASSED 108–0

I voted YES on HB 4301 and HB 4302 to help local fire and EMS departments respond faster and more affordably. HB 4301 allows trained responders to operate certain emergency vehicles without a CDL. HB 4302 expands allowable emergency lighting.

These changes cut red tape and give communities more flexibility and speed in emergencies, without sacrificing safety.

HB 4464 – Protecting Retiree-Only Health Plans
PASSED 106–0

I voted YES on HB 4464 to protect retiree-only health plans from being subjected to costly mandates meant for active employees. Retirees need stable, affordable benefits, and this bill helps keep those promises intact.

HB 4023 – Sale of Excess Public Land in Eaton County
PASSED 104–2

I voted YES on HB 4023, which approves the sale of a 0.29-acre strip of unused state-owned land in Eaton County to the Michigan Police Equipment Company. Their building currently encroaches on the property.

The state had no use for this land, and it served no public benefit. Selling it resolves a legal conflict, saves taxpayers long-term maintenance costs, and puts the land back into productive use. Just as importantly, the transaction was handled transparently through legislation, with full public oversight.

HB 4135 – Land Redevelopment in Jackson County
PASSED 104–2

I voted YES to give Jackson County the right of first refusal to purchase a former landfill site. This allows the county to take the lead on future redevelopment and revitalization that serves local residents.


Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. Please feel free to share this with anyone you’d like to help stay informed. If you have any questions, comments, or event/meeting requests please call me at 517-373-0839 and/or email me at [email protected].

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