Recently, my Homeland Security and Foreign Influence Committee received a presentation from Jim Richter, President of the Michigan Research Institute, along with testimony from George Patton, a Military Subject Matter Expert. Their presentations focused on how Michigan can contribute to national defense readiness by addressing one of the most critical challenges in modern warfare: sustaining military operations in contested environments.

Mr. Richter outlined the role Michigan Research Institute plays in advancing applied research tied to national security priorities. He explained that the core focus of the work discussed was contested logistics, meaning the ability to move, maintain, and repair military equipment and supplies when traditional supply lines are disrupted or under attack. Rather than emphasizing abstract theory, the presentation centered on practical capabilities that could be tested and demonstrated here in Michigan.

George Patton expanded on this by providing operational context drawn from military experience. He described how modern conflicts increasingly target logistics, maintenance, and information systems, making sustainment as decisive as combat power itself. Patton emphasized that future battlefields will punish forces that rely on long, fragile supply chains and reward those that can adapt, repair, and resupply in real time under pressure.

Both presenters discussed the role of advanced technologies in addressing these challenges. Artificial intelligence was described not as a standalone feature, but as an embedded tool used to analyze large volumes of operational data. These systems are designed to predict maintenance failures, anticipate supply needs, and improve decision making before problems escalate. The emphasis was on preventing breakdowns rather than reacting to them after the fact.

A major component of the discussion involved additive manufacturing and on site production of replacement parts. The presenters highlighted the potential to use facilities such as Camp Grayling to demonstrate the ability to fabricate parts during large scale exercises, reducing dependence on vulnerable external supply chains. This capability, they explained, could significantly extend operational endurance in real world conflict scenarios.

The committee also heard testimony on the growing importance of information dominance, cyber operations, and electronic warfare. Control of information and the ability to disrupt an adversary’s systems were described as central to modern military success. Additional context was provided on hypersonic technologies and the advanced materials required to support them, noting ongoing efforts to close capability gaps with foreign adversaries.

Overall, the presentations underscored the importance of focusing on realistic, achievable capabilities that strengthen national security. The committee’s work remains centered on ensuring Michigan plays a constructive role in supporting defense readiness while avoiding empty buzzwords and instead prioritizing technologies that deliver real operational value.

Vote Record Update

Since my first day in office, I have upheld my promise to regularly share to the public every single vote I have made with an explanation for each one. This is something done by only 8 of 110 Representatives in Michigan. Accountability can only be achieved when there is transparency. Here are my recent votes and reasons:

HR 245 – National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
ADOPTED – Voted: YES

This resolution declares February 2026 as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month and recognizes February 10, 2026, as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Day in Michigan. It highlights the reality that abuse can begin early, including physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking, and it encourages awareness, prevention, and healthier relationship standards for young people.

I voted YES because this is about protecting kids before patterns of abuse become lifelong scars. Teen dating violence is often hidden, normalized, or dismissed until it escalates. Raising awareness is a real step toward prevention. Families and schools need clear signals that Michigan takes this seriously and that young people deserve relationships rooted in respect and safety.

HR 246 – Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Awareness Week
ADOPTED – Voted: YES

This resolution declares February 16 to 20, 2026, as Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Awareness Week in Michigan. It recognizes SCAD as a serious and often underrecognized cause of heart attacks, especially among women, including younger women, pregnant women, and new mothers, and it encourages improved awareness among the public and medical professionals.

I voted YES because public health is not just about treating crises after they happen. It is also about recognizing what is being missed and ensuring people know the warning signs. When a condition is underrecognized, patients get misdiagnosed, lose precious time, and families pay the price. Awareness weeks like this help push the medical system and the public to take these risks seriously.

HCR 5 – Joint Convention to Receive the Governor’s Message
ADOPTED – Voted: YES

This concurrent resolution provides for a joint convention of the House and Senate on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, to receive the message of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. This is a standard procedural step that sets the time and place for the Legislature to convene together and formally hear the Governor’s address.

I voted YES because this is part of maintaining a functioning constitutional system. Even when there are strong disagreements on policy, the Legislature still has an obligation to follow the process, show up, and do the work in the open. Government should operate transparently, with the people able to see the priorities being laid out and debated.

HB 5035 – Civil Remedy for False Representation in Assisted Reproduction
PASSED: 61–48 – Voted: YES

HB 5035 creates a civil cause of action for victims of false representation in assisted reproduction. In plain terms, if someone is misled about critical facts in an assisted reproduction procedure, this bill gives them a clear path to sue and seek damages. It is designed to ensure accountability when deception or fraud affects something as personal and life changing as parenthood.

I voted YES because when someone lies in a context this serious, the victim should not be left without recourse. Whatever people think about the broader ethics of assisted reproduction, no one should be able to exploit families through deception without consequences. A civil remedy is a basic tool of justice, it recognizes harm and gives victims a way to hold wrongdoers accountable.

HB 5036 – Felony Penalties for False Representation in Assisted Reproduction
PASSED: 60–49 – Voted: YES

HB 5036 makes it a felony to knowingly provide false or misleading information related to an assisted reproduction procedure. That includes misrepresentations about the embryo or gamete used, the identity of a donor, or important medical history tied to the donor and the procedure. The point is to treat this kind of deception as serious fraud, not a technical mistake.

I voted YES because this is the kind of wrongdoing that can destroy families and permanently alter the lives of children and parents. If a professional or institution is deceiving people in this area, it is not a minor paperwork issue. It is a profound breach of trust. Michigan law should make clear that intentional deception in something this consequential carries real criminal consequences.

HB 5037 – Statute of Limitations Update for Certain Offenses Connected to Assisted Reproduction Fraud
PASSED: 61–48 – Voted: YES

HB 5037 updates the statute of limitations in the Code of Criminal Procedure for certain criminal sexual conduct offenses that involve false representation connected to assisted reproduction. These cases often come to light years later, and victims may not immediately have the facts needed to understand what happened or to seek justice within a short window.

I voted YES because a technical deadline should not become a shield for serious wrongdoing. When misconduct is hidden by design and discovered later, the law should reflect reality. Justice should be available when victims uncover the truth, not denied because a clock ran out before they could reasonably know what occurred.

HB 5038 – Sentencing Guidelines for Assisted Reproduction False Representation
PASSED: 60–49 – Voted: YES

HB 5038 updates Michigan’s sentencing guidelines to account for the offense of false representation regarding assisted reproduction. This matters because sentencing guidelines shape consistency across courts and help ensure that penalties for serious deception are treated as serious, not minimized through gaps in statute.

I voted YES because if Michigan is going to criminalize misconduct in this area, the consequences must be real and enforceable. Sentencing laws cannot lag behind new offenses. This bill helps ensure courts have clear guidance and that punishments reflect the severity of the harm caused.

HB 5039 – Disciplinary Action for Health Professionals Involved in Assisted Reproduction False Representation
PASSED: 88–21 – Voted: YES

HB 5039 updates the Public Health Code to ensure professional discipline is clearly available when a health professional is involved in false representation related to assisted reproduction. Criminal penalties matter, but professional accountability matters too. A person who abuses a position of medical trust should face the possibility of losing the privilege to practice.

I voted YES because licensing exists to protect the public. If a health professional is deceiving patients in an area tied to family creation and human life, that is not just malpractice, it is a betrayal of trust that should be grounds for serious discipline. Michigan must defend patients against professionals who abuse their authority.

HB 4530 – Mental Health Code, Timelines for Releasing Records in Child Abuse and Neglect Investigations
PASSED: 108–1 – Voted: YES

HB 4530 modifies the timeline for mental health professionals to provide mental health records or information that is pertinent to a child abuse or neglect investigation when the Department has a compelling need to determine whether abuse or neglect occurred or to protect a minor at substantial risk of harm. The bill is focused on ensuring investigators can get necessary information in time to act, rather than facing delays that leave children exposed.

I voted YES because in child protection cases, time is everything. The state cannot afford a system where key information comes too late to prevent harm. This does not mean mental health privacy is unimportant, it means that when a child is at serious risk, the system must be able to move quickly and responsibly to protect that child.

HB 5220 – Continuing Education for Mandated Reporters in Child Abuse and Neglect Detection
PASSED: 108–1 – Voted: YES

HB 5220 requires continuing education for mandated reporters focused on detecting child abuse and neglect. Mandated reporters include professionals who are often the first line of defense, educators, medical staff, and others who may see warning signs before anyone else. The bill builds on Michigan’s training framework by strengthening expectations for ongoing preparedness, not just one time instruction.

I voted YES because child protection depends on adults having the knowledge and confidence to act when something is wrong. Too many tragedies happen after clear warning signs were missed or misunderstood. Strengthening training for mandated reporters is a practical, prevention focused step that helps protect children before abuse escalates.

HB 4981 – Public Health Code, Counselor Licensure Terminology Update
PASSED: 109–0 – Voted: YES

HB 4981 updates the Public Health Code to revise terminology for limited licensed counselors, including changing references to limited licensed professional counselor across multiple sections of law. This is a technical update, but it matters because licensing statutes must be consistent and clear for professionals, employers, and regulators.

I voted YES because clarity in licensing law protects both the public and the professionals who serve them. When statutes use inconsistent or outdated terminology, it creates confusion in compliance, enforcement, and credentialing. This bill tightens the language so Michigan’s licensing system remains coherent and easier to administer correctly.

HB 5317 – County and Regional Parks and Recreation Commissions
PASSED: 108–0 – Voted: YES

HB 5317 amends existing law governing county and regional parks and recreation commissions. The bill updates section 1 of the act to clarify the powers and duties of county boards of commissioners in relation to parks and recreation commissions. This is primarily a structural and administrative update to ensure that if local municipalities, due to population, want to shrink their board from 10 to 7 that they should be allowed to.

I voted YES because this bill improves clarity in local governance without expanding bureaucracy or creating new mandates. It strengthens administrative efficiency at the county level and passed unanimously, reflecting broad agreement that it is a responsible statutory update.

HB 4279 – Michigan Army and Air National Guard Apprenticeship Program
PASSED: 99–9 – Voted: YES

HB 4279 creates a Michigan Army National Guard and Air National Guard apprenticeship program. The bill establishes a pathway for Guard members to earn industry-recognized credentials while serving, connecting military service to workforce development and skilled trades opportunities.

I rose on the House floor in support of this bill because investing in our Guard members means investing in Michigan’s future. This legislation ensures that those who step forward to serve our state are also given tangible opportunities to build careers and support their families. Programs like this strengthen recruitment, retention, and workforce readiness all at once. Supporting the men and women of the National Guard should never be controversial, and this bill reflects that principle.

HB 4402 – Public Health Code Amendments
PASSED: 102–6 – Voted: YES

HB 4402 amends sections of Michigan’s Public Health Code, updating statutory language and refining regulatory provisions within existing law. The bill focuses on administrative clarity and modernization of certain health-related sections without creating sweeping new mandates.

I voted YES because keeping our laws clear, updated, and consistent is part of responsible governance. This bill does not expand emergency powers or create new broad authority, it simply improves the structure and clarity of current law.

HB 4079 – Homestead Special Assessment Deferment Updates
PASSED: 96–12 – Voted: YES

HB 4079 amends Michigan’s 1976 law that allows the deferment of special assessments on homestead properties. Special assessments are charges levied by local governments for specific public improvements that directly benefit a property, such as sewer line installation, road reconstruction, water system upgrades, or drainage projects. These assessments can sometimes result in significant one-time or short-term financial obligations for homeowners.

This bill updates sections of the statute governing eligibility, administration, and repayment structure for deferments. It clarifies the responsibilities of the Department of Treasury and local officials, refines procedural timelines, and ensures that when a deferment is granted, the special assessment district is properly indemnified so that local governments are not financially harmed by the delay in collection.

Importantly, this legislation does not eliminate or forgive the assessment. It allows eligible homestead property owners to defer payment under defined conditions, with repayment and interest provisions still in place. The structure protects homeowners who may face temporary hardship while preserving the integrity of public finance systems.

I voted YES because homeowners should not be forced into financial crisis due to infrastructure assessments tied to their primary residence. At the same time, we must protect taxpayers and ensure public funds are responsibly managed. This bill strikes that balance by allowing structured deferment while maintaining accountability and repayment safeguards.

HB 4080 – Homestead Special Assessment Definitions and Eligibility Updates
PASSED: 98–10 – Voted: YES

HB 4080 is a companion to HB 4079 and amends additional sections of the same statute governing deferment of special assessments on homestead properties. While HB 4079 focuses primarily on procedural and administrative updates, HB 4080 refines definitions, eligibility language, and foundational statutory provisions to ensure consistency throughout the law.

The bill clarifies who qualifies as a homestead property owner for purposes of deferment, outlines application procedures, and strengthens alignment between state and local administrative responsibilities. By updating these sections together, the legislature ensures the deferment system operates cohesively rather than leaving gaps or conflicting language within the statute.

Like HB 4079, this measure does not create debt forgiveness or open-ended liability. Deferred assessments remain collectible with interest under existing statutory guidelines. The legislation modernizes and tightens the framework while preserving fiscal protections for local units of government.

I voted YES because updating and clarifying the law ensures that relief mechanisms function properly without creating unintended consequences. When homeowners face large infrastructure assessments on their primary residence, there must be a lawful and orderly way to manage payment timing without undermining public finance stability.