BILL PACKAGE HBs 4233-4235, 4238-4242: FOREIGN INFLUENCE PACKAGE – HB 4233 (Johnsen) establishes that a foreign principal cannot purchase or acquire agricultural land in Michigan after the effective date of this bill. If a foreign principal already owned or acquired agricultural land before this bill’s effective date, they must register the land with the Secretary of State (SOS). The bill details what actions the Attorney General and the circuit court can take if a foreign principal who owns agricultural land violates this bill or fails to register the land. HB 4234 (Meerman) prohibits a foreign principal from owning or acquiring any interest in agricultural land that is located within 20 miles of any military installation or key facility in Michigan. The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) is responsible for seizing the agricultural land or property proven to be a clear and present danger to Michigan. HB 4235 (Smit) prohibits the use of certain applications from foreign countries of concern on government issued devices. HB 4238 (Jenkins-Arno) amends the Revised School Code to prohibit public schools from entering cultural exchange agreements under certain circumstances or accepting anything of value under certain conditions from a foreign country of concern. The bill holds an applicable federal agency responsible for reviewing and approving cultural exchange agreements. HB 4239 (Bruck) establishes the Foreign Influence of State Institutions of Higher Education Act to outline criteria for state universities and community colleges entering into cultural exchange agreements or accepting grants from a foreign country of concern. HB 4240 Schuette) establishes the “Foreign Influence of Public Bodies Act” to outline criteria for state and local governments entering and disclosing cultural exchange agreements (under certain circumstances) or accepting anything of value (under certain conditions) from a foreign country of concern. The bill specifies the disclosure requirements for agreements and gifts, granting DIFS, DTMB, and applicable federal agencies specific duties concerning disclosures and civil fines for violators. HB 4241 (Hoadley) prohibits the Michigan Strategic Fund from knowingly entering into an agreement for an economic incentive with an entity from a foreign country of concern. The bill establishes that the Michigan Strategic Fund will require the recipient or applicant to provide the fund with an affidavit affirming that they are not a foreign entity. HB 4242 (Thompson) requires physical and virtual medical records to be stored either in the United State or Canada.

Sponsors:  Reps. Johnsen (R), Meerman (R), Smit (R), Jenkins-Arno (R), Bruck (R),       Schuette (R), Hoadley (R), Thompson (R)

HBs 4233-4234 Passages:  63-47 with Immediate Effect

HB 4235 Passage:  79-31 with Immediate Effect

HB 4238 Passage:  59-51 with Immediate Effect

HBs 4239-4240 Passages:  61-49 with Immediate Effect

HB 4241 Passage:  66-44 with Immediate Effect

HB 4242 Passage:  71-39 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES on HB 4233: Ensures that agricultural land in Michigan remains under the ownership of individuals and foreign persons in Michigan with a vested interest in promoting its economic growth and expansion of diverse agricultural practices.

Why I voted YES on HB 4234: The SOS can hold violators accountable and keep track of registered land, limiting unnecessary and dangerous foreign influence and presence.

Why I voted YES on HB 4235: The bill addresses threats to sensitive information that would be detrimental for Michigan and the U.S. if acquired by a foreign country of concern.

Why I voted YES on HB 4238: Conditional “quid pro quo” agreements are prohibited, which secures schools and avoid dangerous expectations from foreign countries of concern.

Why I voted YES on HB 4239: This bill protects college students from foreign influence and promotes autonomy for state universities.

Why I voted YES on HB 4240: The bill includes specific requirements pertaining to records requests and disclosure and screening requirements, which encourages transparency and creates adequate repercussions for violators.

Why I voted YES on HB 4241: By prohibiting foreign entities from entering contracts with economic incentives, the bill strengthens individuals’ financial security and promotes job training.

Why I voted YES on HB 4242: Many countries around the world are not as stable as the United States and Canada, therefore our records are safer here or with our neighbor.

– – –

HB 4136:  Would require the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) to provide the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with voter registration applications, which would be required to be made available to those who apply for hunting, fur harvesters, or fishing licenses.

Sponsor:  Rep. Paquette (R)                    

Passage:  108-2 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Increased public participation, particularly at the ballot box, ensures that hunters and anglers are represented, strengthening the ability of the sportsmen’s community to collectively defeat anti-sportsmen policy objectives.

– – –

HB 4345:  Allows a school district to waive the hours and days of pupil instruction missed by students due to a state of emergency during 2024-2025 school year.

Sponsor:  Rep. Cavitt (R)                           

Passage:  110-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The state should allow local school districts to waive days missed by students if the school district experienced a state of emergency.

– – –

BILL PACKAGE HBs 4007 & 4283:  Allows RICE generators to count as clean and renewable energy systems.

Sponsor:  Reps. Bohnak (R) & Prestin (R)                          

HB 4007 Passage:  82-27 with Immediate Effect

HB 4283 Passage:  83-26 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The RICE generators in the UP are crucial to the affordability and reliability of energy in the UP, and this helps ensure they can continue operating.

– – –

HB 4178:  Would allow certain insurance producers to obtain continuing education credits through participation in certified insurance organization activities.

Sponsor:  Rep. Aragona (R)                      

Passage:  108-1 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: This bill would expand avenues for educational advancement and incentivize insurance producers to consider joining associations dedicated to insurance and insurance education.

– – –

HB 4072:  Requires that any unused portion of eye drops provided to a patient for an ophthalmic (eye) surgical procedure or ophthalmic care in a hospital be offered to the patient upon discharge under certain conditions.

Sponsor:  Rep. Steckloff (D)                    

Passage:  109-0 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The relevant medication is already prescribed and paid for by the patient, who does pay extra to receive another prescription for continued use if he does not receive the leftover medication.

– – –

HB 4071:  Permits insurers to offer value-added products or services related to various types of insurance coverage.

Sponsor:  Rep. B. Carter (D)                     

Passage:  108-1 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: The bill allows but does not require insurers to offer the products, and for free or at a discounted price.

– – –

HB 4328:  A Fiscal Year 2024-25 supplemental appropriation belief to provide storm disaster relief grants.

Sponsor:  Rep. Fairbairn (R)                    

Passage:  107-1 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES: Providing funding now will allow the communities to begin addressing the impacts of the storms while we wait for the federal declaration and the matching funds.