Last Monday, a sea of patriots gathered at the State Capitol in Lansing for a vigil honoring Charlie Kirk after his brutal assassination. It was a solemn and emotional moment. Charlie was a father, a husband, and a man who inspired millions across this country to stand for their faith and for America.

I had the opportunity to speak at the vigil. I shared how Charlie’s work inspired the men who staff my office, and how he never shied away from proclaiming Christ and engaging in honest debate. For that courage, he was murdered in front of his family and the world. The celebrations of his death that have flooded the internet since then are shameful, and they only encourage more violence. We must not allow political violence to become normal in America.

I made it clear that government cannot look the other way. ANTIFA and other extremist networks continue to operate unchecked, coordinating unrest and now celebrating assassination. If our leaders refuse to confront this threat, then they are giving radicals a green light to govern by violence. This is not speculation. It is a reality we are now facing.

In moments like these, we turn to our faith. As Saint Paul wrote in his second letter to Timothy, the last days will be marked by pride, arrogance, and abuse, yet God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Our response must be rooted in Christ. We are called to pray for our persecutors, to be bold, yet prudent, and to live in the reflection of Jesus Christ as our King, both now and forever.

Click here to see my whole speech.

(NEW) Committee Updates

Weaponization of State Government Committee: Ending “Lawfare”

Last week our subcommittee on the Weaponization of State Government held testimony on the ongoing persecution of Michigan’s alternate electors. We heard from Kevin Kijewski, who is also running for Attorney General, and attorney Nicholas Somberg, who has been standing with the falsely-accused 2020 Republican electors who stood for election integrity throughout a vicious attack in the courts by Dana Nessel. These electors were exonerated as innocent earlier this month. Both gave honest and powerful testimony that cut straight to the heart of what is happening in our state.

During our Committee Hearing this week, I heard how innocent Michiganders were dragged through years of litigation, losing their savings, their jobs, and in many cases their reputations. Some families have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars just to defend themselves from charges that should never have been filed. Judge Simmons said clearly that these electors were exercising their constitutional right to seek redress. Yet they were treated like criminals. That truth should trouble every single one of us.

What stood out most was how ordinary people were crushed simply for exercising their First Amendment rights. We even learned that the state’s own lead investigator admitted he could not explain the right to petition the government. If those enforcing the law do not even know what the Constitution says, what does that tell us about the motivations behind these cases?

We also discussed the broader issue of “lawfare” — the weaponization of legal tools to silence political opponents. Both Kevin and Nick made it clear that this kind of abuse should never happen in Michigan. There need to be reforms that hold prosecutors accountable when they cross the line, and there must be stronger protections for citizens who are targeted for their political beliefs.

This is not about left or right. It is about justice. It is about ensuring that no Michigander ever has to fear financial ruin or public humiliation simply for standing up for what they believe. Our legislature has a duty to see this through, and I am proud to be working alongside friends who are unafraid to speak the truth.

Click here to see a clip of my line of questioning.

Homeland Security and Foreign Influence Committee: Protecting American Sovereignty

Our Homeland Security and Foreign Influence Committee met last week to hear testimony from Adam Welsh, Head of Global Policy at DJI, on the growing use of drones and the security questions surrounding them. It was a valuable discussion about technology, competition, and the future of American manufacturing.

I asked Mr. Welsh about the recent executive order on “Unleashing American Drone Dominance.” My focus was on whether DJI views increased investment in American-made drones as a threat, or whether this competition can help grow the market. He acknowledged that it is healthy for America to develop sovereign drone capabilities and agreed that strong domestic investment is a good thing. Where we had some disagreement was on the question of trade. I emphasized that for America, this is not just about free markets but about sovereignty — ensuring we are not dependent on foreign nations for critical technology.

We also spoke about enforcement and security. I pressed him on whether penalties should be stronger for those who use drones with bad intent, whether for spying, smuggling, or worse. He admitted there are problems with enforcement, especially since millions of drones are not even properly registered. While DJI has updated its products to comply with new ID requirements, there are still gaps. I made clear that protecting our communities must come before protecting the marketplace.

Overall, the testimony underscored that drones will be an even bigger part of our future, and that Michigan and America need to stay ahead. Supporting American manufacturing, setting strong rules for accountability, and defending our sovereignty are essential.

Click here to see a clip of my line of questioning.

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 most recent votes:

HB 4664 – Michigan Vehicle Code Update
PASSED: 61–42 – Voted: YES

This bill makes targeted changes to section 676b of the Michigan Vehicle Code, which governs how vehicles can be stopped or obstructed in certain situations. While the language may appear technical, these updates are about keeping the law clear and enforceable, particularly when it comes to safety on Michigan’s roads. Many of our statutes have not been revisited in decades, and small clarifications are needed to ensure consistent enforcement.

I voted yes because even modest updates to the code matter when they touch on safety and accountability. A reliable vehicle code not only helps law enforcement do its job but also ensures drivers know exactly where the law stands. Michiganders deserve clear, consistent rules on the road, and this bill helps move us closer to that.

HB 4713 – Strengthening the Health Care False Claim Act
PASSED: 101–2 – Voted: YES

This bill updates the Health Care False Claim Act, tightening provisions that deal with fraud and abuse in Michigan’s health care system. Fraudulent claims cost taxpayers millions of dollars every year, taking resources away from patients and families who need them. By clarifying definitions and updating enforcement tools, this legislation gives prosecutors and investigators stronger ability to root out bad actors.

I voted yes because protecting health care dollars is not a partisan issue — it is common sense. Every dollar stolen through fraud is a dollar that cannot be used to support Michigan families. Cracking down on abuse in health care ensures taxpayer money is used where it should be, while strengthening confidence in the system as a whole.

HB 4714 – Code of Criminal Procedure Update
PASSED: 101–2 – Voted: YES

HB 4714 makes updates to the sentencing guidelines within the Code of Criminal Procedure. The changes are largely technical but ensure that penalties in our criminal code remain consistent with recent reforms to other statutes. Aligning these guidelines is critical because sentencing inconsistencies can create confusion in the courts and unequal treatment of defendants.

I voted yes because keeping our criminal statutes consistent and up to date is part of maintaining a fair system of justice. It is not enough to pass new laws — we must also ensure that related statutes are aligned properly, so that courts have clear guidance and justice is applied evenly.

HB 4715 – Insurance Code Amendment (Section 4509)
PASSED: 101–2 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 4509 of Michigan’s Insurance Code to improve how certain insurance practices are regulated. It focuses on closing loopholes that could be used to take advantage of policyholders, while ensuring insurers operate with greater transparency. For ordinary Michiganders, this helps provide stability in an industry that affects nearly every family and business.

I voted yes because insurance is a cornerstone of financial security, and the state must have laws that hold companies accountable. Strengthening protections in the Insurance Code means Michigan families can feel more secure that when they pay their premiums, their coverage will be honored fairly.

HB 4716 – Insurance Code Amendment (Section 4511)
PASSED: 101–2 – Voted: YES

Like HB 4715, this bill updates the Insurance Code, this time focusing on section 4511. These reforms strengthen oversight of how insurers interact with consumers, especially in the processing of claims. It creates consistency across the law and provides regulators with better tools to step in when abuses occur.

I voted yes because insurance law should serve the people who pay into it, not the companies that profit from it. By aligning these provisions with modern expectations of fairness, the bill reinforces accountability in an industry that directly impacts the lives of Michigan families.

HB 4717 – Michigan Penal Code Update
PASSED: 101–2 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 159g of the Michigan Penal Code, which addresses organized crime and racketeering activity. The changes strengthen penalties and close gaps in existing law, making it harder for criminal organizations to operate in Michigan. These updates reflect lessons learned from recent cases where prosecutors found weaknesses in the statute.

I voted yes because organized crime must never be allowed to gain a foothold in Michigan. Updating the penal code ensures our law enforcement community has the tools they need to protect families and businesses. Crime evolves, and our laws must keep pace if we want to keep our communities safe.

HB 4718 – Insurance Code Addition (Section 4506)
PASSED: 102–1 – Voted: YES

HB 4718 adds a new section to the Insurance Code aimed at strengthening oversight of specific insurance products and practices. This addition addresses regulatory gaps that have emerged in recent years and helps bring Michigan’s insurance laws in line with modern realities. It ensures that insurers remain transparent and accountable in the products they offer.

I voted yes because families and businesses alike depend on insurance to protect against life’s uncertainties. Adding clarity and accountability into the law ensures stability for consumers while preventing abuses in the marketplace. This bill represents another step toward a stronger, fairer insurance framework for Michigan.

HB 4719 – Insurance Code Amendment (Section 150)
PASSED: 102–1 – Voted: YES

This bill revises section 150 of the Insurance Code, modernizing the language and strengthening oversight over insurer operations. It continues the broader push we have seen this session to update multiple areas of insurance law in a coordinated way. Each change may be technical on its own, but together they represent meaningful reform.

I voted yes because Michigan families deserve consistency in how they are treated by insurance companies. These reforms ensure the rules are clear, transparent, and accountable. Strong consumer protections are essential to a fair economy, and this bill strengthens them in a practical way.

Legislative Update – September 17th

HR 174 – Resolution of Sorrow Honoring Charlie Kirk
ADOPTED – Voted: YES

The House adopted a resolution of sorrow in memory of Charlie Kirk, honoring his life, his work, and the tragic circumstances of his assassination. The resolution highlighted his leadership in founding Turning Point USA, his influence in bringing young people into civic engagement, and his legacy of courage rooted in faith. For many of us, Charlie’s loss is personal. He gave his life for the cause of truth and liberty, and his example will endure long after this moment of grief has passed.

I voted yes because it was important that the Michigan House stand united in recognizing Charlie’s contributions. He touched countless lives in Michigan and across the nation, including many students in our own districts. This resolution was not only about remembering his service but also about reaffirming our commitment to the principles of faith, freedom, and courage that guided him.

HB 4700 – Michigan Liquor Control Code Update (Section 107)
PASSED: 94–3 – Voted: YES

This bill updates section 107 of the Michigan Liquor Control Code, modernizing provisions to make them consistent with current practices in licensing and regulation. While it may appear technical, these adjustments ensure that Michigan’s liquor laws remain up to date and clear for both businesses and regulators. A transparent, modern code prevents confusion and improves enforcement.

I voted yes because when statutes fall behind, it creates opportunities for abuse or uneven application of the law. These updates protect consumers, provide clarity to small business owners, and maintain accountability. Michigan’s communities depend on a fair regulatory structure, and this bill helps accomplish that.

HB 4282 – Michigan Liquor Control Code Update (Section 513)
PASSED: 89–8 – Voted: YES

HB 4282 revises section 513 of the Liquor Control Code, continuing the broader effort this session to clean up outdated provisions in the law. It focuses on clarifying language around licensing, retail practices, and oversight responsibilities. These changes are about making the law easier to follow for businesses while preserving safeguards for the public.

I voted yes because businesses deserve to operate under clear rules that do not leave them vulnerable to arbitrary enforcement. A modernized code also helps keep Michigan competitive for investment and job creation in hospitality and retail. When laws are clear, communities benefit.

HB 4595 – Michigan Liquor Control Code Update (Section 533)
PASSED: 90–7 – Voted: YES

This bill amends section 533 of the Liquor Control Code, refining regulations on sales and distribution. Like the other liquor control bills, the goal is not sweeping change but careful modernization. These updates reflect the lessons learned over the past several years and are intended to ensure fairness, consistency, and accountability in how licenses are granted and enforced.

I voted yes because Michigan businesses should not be burdened by outdated or contradictory laws. This reform provides clarity, reduces the risk of litigation, and ensures that regulators and businesses are on the same page. A modern regulatory framework ultimately protects both consumers and small business owners.

HB 4515 – Social Welfare Act Amendment
PASSED: 60–38 – Voted: YES

This bill adds section 14k to the Social Welfare Act. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to use existing photographs from the Secretary of State when issuing benefits cards, such as Bridge cards, rather than creating a new, separate photo system. This simple change helps reduce fraud, saves taxpayer dollars, and streamlines the process for recipients.

I voted yes because protecting taxpayer resources while ensuring services reach those who truly need them is common sense. This reform makes it harder to abuse the welfare system while also cutting unnecessary bureaucracy. Families who rely on these programs deserve efficiency, and taxpayers deserve accountability.

HR 172 – Patient Safety Day
ADOPTED – Voted: YES

This resolution declared September 17, 2025, as Patient Safety Day in Michigan. It recognizes the importance of protecting patients from preventable harm and honors health care workers who dedicate their lives to safeguarding others. Patient safety is a fundamental promise at the heart of medicine, and it is right to pause and affirm our commitment to it.

I voted yes because every Michigander deserves to trust that when they seek medical care, their wellbeing is protected. Recognizing this day also reminds us of the sacrifices made daily by doctors, nurses, and other professionals who stand on the front lines of health care.

HB 4694 – Recreational Authorities Act Update
PASSED: 96–2 – Voted: YES

House Bill 4694 updates the Recreational Authorities Act to make it easier for local governments to create and manage joint recreational authorities. These authorities allow communities to pool resources for parks, trails, community centers, and similar facilities. The bill clarifies language that was outdated and ensures that local partnerships can move forward with fewer bureaucratic hurdles. Importantly, any funding decisions remain subject to voter approval.

I supported this measure because recreational opportunities play a big role in the quality of life for families. Whether it is youth sports, trails for hiking, or gathering places that strengthen community life, people want to see their tax dollars make a difference close to home. This bill does not raise taxes, nor does it force communities to spend more. It simply gives citizens the flexibility to make decisions about their own priorities if they choose to do so at the ballot box.

HB 4695 – Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act Update
PASSED: 96–2 – Voted: YES

HB 4695 works in tandem with HB 4694 by updating the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to align with the revised recreational authority framework. The goal is to make sure the statutes governing conservation and recreational projects are consistent, clear, and practical. Without these updates, communities could face unnecessary red tape or conflicting interpretations of the law.

I voted yes because our outdoor heritage is something worth protecting. Michigan families value parks, lakes, and trails not just for recreation but for the tourism and local pride they bring. When voters choose to invest in these resources, they deserve a system that allows projects to move forward without delay. HB 4695 is a small but important way of ensuring that local communities can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of our state while maintaining control over how those decisions are made.

HB 4798 – Recreational Funding Flexibility
PASSED: 96–2 – Voted: YES

The third bill in the package, HB 4798, provides additional flexibility for how recreational authorities can handle funding once voters approve it. It closes gaps in the law that made it harder for communities to coordinate across jurisdictions and to make sure resources were directed where they were needed most. The intent is not to create new taxes, but to make the system work more smoothly when voters have already given their approval.

I supported this measure because communities should not be stuck waiting years for basic improvements to parks, ballfields, or trails just because the law has not kept pace. This bill acknowledges the reality that citizens are best positioned to know what they want and need locally. Giving them a more efficient path to implement those choices respects their voices and avoids unnecessary bureaucracy from Lansing.

HB 4734 – Insurance Code Amendment (Section 1232)
PASSED: 98–0 – Voted: YES

This bill updates section 1232 of Michigan’s Insurance Code, which governs how insurance companies operate and how regulators enforce compliance. The reform strengthens oversight by tightening loopholes that left consumers exposed and by clarifying the responsibilities of insurers. While technical on paper, these kinds of updates make a real difference in ensuring fairness in the insurance marketplace.

I voted yes because insurance is a promise that families depend on during some of life’s hardest moments. Whether it is health, auto, or homeowners insurance, policyholders expect that when they pay their premiums, their coverage will be honored. This bill helps give families confidence that the system is working for them and that regulators have the authority to hold bad actors accountable when they do not.

HB 4735 – Insurance Code Amendment (Section 1234)
PASSED: 98–0 – Voted: YES

HB 4735 is a companion bill to HB 4734, continuing the work of modernizing Michigan’s Insurance Code. This legislation updates section 1234, clarifying oversight provisions and providing regulators with more direct tools to address violations. It shortens the gap between when a violation occurs and when corrective action can be taken.

I supported this bill because accountability is at the heart of a healthy marketplace. Honest insurers benefit from a level playing field, while policyholders gain peace of mind knowing they will not be left in the dark if something goes wrong. Strong consumer protections do not weaken the industry; they strengthen it by building public trust and confidence.

HB 4736 – Insurance Code Amendment (Section 1236)
PASSED: 98–0 – Voted: YES

This bill continues the broader reform effort by updating section 1236 of the Insurance Code. It addresses outdated provisions and ensures the law reflects the modern insurance landscape, including new technologies and evolving market practices. These changes may seem minor, but taken together with the other bills in the package, they represent significant progress in strengthening Michigan’s regulatory framework.

I voted yes because consistency matters. When insurance laws are confusing or outdated, consumers pay the price in uncertainty, delayed claims, or outright denial of coverage. Updating the code ensures fairness, protects families, and reduces the risk of abuse. Incremental reforms like this build the trust that is essential to a system people depend on in times of crisis.

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In God We Trust,

Representative Josh Schriver

Have any questions, comments or requests?

Call me at 517-373-0839 or email me at [email protected]