House Members Support Policy to End Carbon Tax

Along with many co-signers, I am proud to introduce House Bill 5837 to prevent ordinances, regulations, or policies that impose any form of carbon tax, energy consumption metric tax, vehicle-miles-traveled tax, or mandatory emissions trading program. The legislation also declares any existing measures violating these prohibitions as null and void.

Michigan House Bill 5837 protects against hidden fees or charges tied to carbon dioxide, methane, or other greenhouse gases, as well as penalties based on fuel type, energy use, or miles driven.

The inspiration for this measure comes directly from strong leadership in Florida, where lawmakers recently passed sweeping legislation (HB 1217 / SB 1628) prohibiting governmental entities—including cities, counties, and school districts—from adopting carbon taxes, assessments, or emission trading programs. Florida’s approach recognizes that such measures harm energy security, drive up costs for working families, and contradict sound economic and environmental policy. Soon, Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the bill into law, setting a clear precedent that governments should focus on affordable, reliable energy rather than ideological mandates.

Michigan families already face high energy bills and rising costs at the pump. We cannot allow local governments to layer on additional taxes or restrictions disguised as climate policy. This bill draws a firm line: no carbon taxes, no forced emissions trading, and no vehicle-miles-traveled fees that punish everyday driving. It preserves freedom, keeps government in check, and prioritizes practical solutions over costly experiments.

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’s an update on my votes and reasons:

Senate Bill 274 – Michigan Memorial Highway Act Amendment

PASSED: 104–0 – Voted: YES

This bill amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act (2001 PA 142) by adding section 111 to officially designate a specific segment of highway in honor of a Michigan veteran or group, as part of the state’s system for naming roads and bridges to commemorate service and sacrifice.

I voted YES because it properly honors the service and sacrifice of Michigan veterans through a targeted memorial designation without creating new spending or government programs. These symbolic recognitions are appropriate ways to remember those who defended our freedoms, while keeping government focused on core responsibilities rather than expanding its scope.

HB 4720 – Michigan Election Law Amendment (Voting Equipment Standards)

PASSED: 63–41 – Voted: YES

This bill amends sections 795 and 795a of the Michigan Election Law (1954 PA 116) with substitute (H-1) to update standards, certification processes, and security requirements for voting equipment, tabulators, and related election technology used in Michigan elections.

I voted YES because the H-1 substitute improves election integrity by strengthening security and certification standards for voting machines without adding unnecessary bureaucracy. Clear, modern rules for election technology help ensure accurate, auditable results that Michigan voters can trust, while protecting the fundamental right to fair and secure elections.

HB 4765 – Michigan Election Law Amendment (Voter Registration & Identification)

PASSED: 58–46 – Voted: YES

This bill amends multiple sections of the Michigan Election Law (1954 PA 116), including 493a, 493b, 495, 509gg, and 509ii, and adds section 496c, with substitute (H-1) to strengthen voter registration verification, identification requirements, and related election security procedures.

I voted YES because the H-1 substitute advances commonsense election security measures, such as better verification of voter eligibility and registration processes. These reforms protect the integrity of our elections and the votes of law-abiding Michigan citizens without disenfranchising eligible voters, ensuring confidence in the democratic process.

HB 5688 – General Sales Tax Act Amendment (Sales Tax Clarification)

PASSED: 81–23 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 2d of the General Sales Tax Act (1933 PA 167) to clarify or update the application of sales tax to certain transactions or exemptions, providing more precise guidance on taxable versus nontaxable items or activities.

I voted YES because it provides targeted clarity in the sales tax code to reduce confusion for businesses and consumers without raising taxes or expanding the tax base. Streamlining tax rules supports economic freedom and helps Michigan families and small businesses by minimizing compliance burdens.

HB 5227 – Occupational Code Amendment (Real Estate Broker Prohibited Conduct)

PASSED: 105–1 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 2512 of the Occupational Code (1980 PA 299), as amended by 2024 PA 122, to modify prohibited conduct for real estate brokers and salespersons. It clarifies rules around assisting buyers with developing or drafting purchase agreements and updates related standards for licensee behavior in real estate transactions. The bill is tied to a package with HB 5228 and HB 5229 and only takes effect if those companion bills are also enacted.

I voted YES because this targeted update to the Occupational Code provides clearer boundaries on prohibited conduct for real estate professionals while preserving the ability of brokers and salespersons to assist clients effectively. It reduces ambiguity in transaction practices without imposing new broad regulations or expanding government oversight of the real estate market. These refinements support fair dealing, protect consumers, and maintain a balanced framework that respects private property rights and voluntary agreements between parties.

HB 5228 – Occupational Code Amendment (Real Estate Service Agreements and Closing Statements)

PASSED: 105–1 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 2517 of the Occupational Code (1980 PA 299), as amended by 2008 PA 91, to modify provisions related to service agreements, closing statements, and written disclosures required of real estate licensees acting as agents for sellers or buyers.

I voted YES because the changes bring practical clarity to how real estate service agreements and closing processes are handled, ensuring licensees provide accurate information to clients without adding layers of bureaucracy or restricting legitimate business practices. This supports efficient real estate transactions that benefit Michigan families buying or selling homes while upholding accountability in the profession through targeted, common-sense adjustments rather than expansive new rules.

HB 5229 – Occupational Code Amendment (Real Estate Limited Service Agreements)

PASSED: 105–1 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 2512d of the Occupational Code (1980 PA 299), as amended by 2016 PA 502, to update duties and responsibilities of licensees under service provision agreements, including provisions related to waivers of services in limited service agreements. It is part of the same real estate licensing package as HB 5227 and HB 5228.

I voted YES because it refines the duties of real estate licensees in limited service scenarios to better reflect how modern transactions occur, while still requiring clear disclosures and protecting clients. The update promotes flexibility for consumers who prefer streamlined services without weakening core consumer protections or inviting unnecessary government intervention into private real estate contracts.

HB 5577 – Coordinate Systems Update (Land Use and Surveying)

PASSED: 106–0 – Voted: YES

This bill amends sections 1, 1a, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the act describing and adopting coordinate systems for designating positions on or near the earth’s surface in Michigan (1964 PA 9), as previously amended, and repeals certain outdated sections. It updates the state’s plane coordinate system to align with current national standards established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Geodetic Survey (NOAA/NGS), including the State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS) based on the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS).

I voted YES because modernizing Michigan’s official coordinate system ensures consistency with federal surveying and mapping standards used by engineers, surveyors, land planners, and government agencies. Accurate, up-to-date coordinates support property boundary determinations, infrastructure projects, and land records without creating new mandates or costs. This technical improvement promotes precision and efficiency in land use while respecting the foundational role of clear property rights in our state.

HB 4696 – Guardianship Assistance Act Amendment (Eligibility Definition)

PASSED: 101–3 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 2 of the Guardianship Assistance Act (2008 PA 260), as previously amended, to update the definition of key terms related to guardianship assistance eligibility, ensuring clearer criteria for families providing care to children who cannot remain with their biological parents.

I voted YES because this refinement strengthens support for families stepping up to care for children in need through targeted eligibility updates, without creating new spending programs or expanding bureaucracy. It promotes stable, family-based care over institutional options while keeping government involvement limited and focused on practical assistance for vulnerable children.

HB 4697 – Guardianship Assistance Act Amendment (Payment and Support Provisions)

PASSED: 101–3 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 4 of the Guardianship Assistance Act (2008 PA 260), as previously amended, to clarify payment structures, support services, and administrative requirements for guardianship assistance agreements between the state and qualifying caregivers.

I voted YES because the changes provide clearer guidelines for guardianship assistance payments and support, helping families who take on the responsibility of raising children outside the foster care system. It maintains fiscal responsibility by avoiding broad new entitlements and focuses instead on efficient, accountable aid that prioritizes child well-being and family stability.

HB 4471 – County Boards of Commissioners Powers Amendment

PASSED: 100–4 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 12a of the act defining powers and duties of county boards of commissioners (1851 PA 156), as amended by 2017 PA 204, with substitute (H-2) to update local administrative and legislative powers granted to county boards, including provisions related to certain regulatory or operational authorities.

I voted YES because the H-2 substitute modernizes county board authorities in a targeted way that respects local control without shifting power to the state or imposing unfunded mandates. Counties need flexibility to handle local matters efficiently, and these updates support practical governance while protecting taxpayers from overreach.

HB 4901 – Public Health Code Amendment (Nursing and Audiology Licensing)

PASSED: 104–0 – Voted: YES

This bill amends sections 17211 and 17603 of the Public Health Code (1978 PA 368) to update licensing and scope-of-practice provisions for registered professional nurses and audiologists, including adjustments to education, examination, and continuing competency requirements.

I voted YES because these targeted licensing updates streamline credentialing for qualified health professionals without lowering standards or creating new regulatory burdens. Improving clarity in licensing helps ensure access to quality care for Michigan families while keeping government oversight focused and limited.