Dear Neighbor,
It’s hard to believe we’re already more than a month into 2026! What a snowy, cold start to the year. But now we can begin to count down to spring. Though we’re only about a month into the legislative session for the year, I’ve been hard at work here in Lansing listening to your thoughts and input, and using it to address issues of key importance through the legislative process.
Please know that I am always happy to hear from constituents about their legislative priorities and concerns, as your voice is key to our decisions here in Lansing. Additionally, If I can ever be of assistance regarding state issues, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (517) 373-7557 or [email protected].
POLICY SECTION:
Since the House returned to session for the year on Jan. 14, I have been focusing on fighting for the priorities of our district. While these first few weeks have certainly been busy, here are just a few of the important pieces of legislation that have reached the House floor recently:
School Cell Phone Ban:
In January, the House passed HB 4141 and SB 495 to set a statewide standard relating to cell phone use in our public schools. Specifically, HB 4141 would require local districts to develop and adopt a policy banning the use of wireless communications devices on school grounds during instructional time. SB 495 would require schools to account for appropriate student cell phone use in an emergency in their emergency operations plan. Both bills passed with bipartisan support and have been signed into law by the governor.
I voted YES on both bills because I believe they are a commonsense way to ensure our students are fully engaged and learning throughout the school day, while also providing districts the freedom to go even further by imposing additional restrictions as they see fit. They also account for emergency use to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students.
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact:
This month, HB 5455 was passed out of the House on a 102-2 vote. This bill would renew Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact — an agreement among 42 states that expedites the licensing process for physicians practicing in multiple states.
I voted YES on this legislation, because I believe it is crucial to ensuring continuity of care across state lines and making medical care more accessible for Michiganders. HB 5455 will now be referred to a Senate committee for further review.
Some of you may remember that I worked on this piece of legislation last term, but it unfortunately did not make it over the finish line in the Senate before the end of the 102nd term. I am happy to see it continue to move this year and hope it will be signed by the governor to avoid potential impacts on Michigan physicians and patients.
RECENT EVENTS:
To see ALL the events I have attended, take a look at my Facebook page.
Here are a few particularly special highlights:
I attend the 40th annual University of Michigan Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium, where the Detroit Youth Choir & Performing Arts Company sang an emotional and inspiring version of “Glory.” Donzaleigh Abernathy, a civil rights activist, author and godchild of MLK, spoke on a panel with the CEO of the NAACP, Derrick Johnson. This has always been a wonderful event that gives hope, particularly in these trying times. This year’s theme was “Unbowed and Unbroken.” Let us always seek to honor Dr. King’s legacy through our own lives.
Last month, I attended the masquerade gala hosted by the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce! It was wonderful to attend, but even better to hand out legislative tributes to awardees in House District 48.
- Planted Provisioning in Whitmore Lake received the Whitmore Lake Business of the Year Award for its focus on education, responsible service and a welcoming customer experience.
- Bank of Ann Arbor received the Brighton Business of the Year Award for its support for hundreds of nonprofits and initiatives in the area through donations, sponsorships and volunteer efforts.
- Bliss and Fish Restaurant in Pinckney — which serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and seafood — received the Pinckney Business of the Year Award for its commitment to creating a welcoming small-town environment in Pinckney, particularly through live music.
A very special congratulations to all recipients for your hard work, dedication to customer service and community engagement!
I always love getting the opportunity to celebrate individuals throughout the 48th District. If you or somebody you know would like a special tribute for a recent accomplishment, contribution to the community or has had an important anniversary or birthday, please never hesitate to reach out to my office!
Along with so many of my legislative colleagues from both sides of the aisle, I attended a commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27, a global day honoring the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. This date aligns with the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp by the Red Army in 1945. We must take great care to never forget the atrocities of the Holocaust and honor the memory of each and every victim.
USEFUL RESOURCES:
This winter has been extremely snowy, and with that comes wear and tear on our roads. If you see or unfortunately hit a pothole, I would highly encourage you to report it to the appropriate road commission or MDOT to be addressed. My team reported a particularly bad one right off M-14 on Main St. in our district and MDOT was out there filling the pothole within the week!
Jackson, Livingston and Washtenaw counties all have resources available for residents to report needed road repairs or hazards on their respective websites or by phone.
Jackson County Road Commission:
Report Road Issues: (517) 788-4230
Livingston County Road Commission:
Washtenaw County Road Commission:
Current Road Work and Construction
MDOT Pothole Reporting:
For areas across House District 48 and Michigan, the Michigan Department of Transportation has a reporting tool for potholes. Remember that these must be on state trunklines, such as I and M, or US routes like M-36, M-52 or I-96.
Also, if you are unsure of the current road conditions, whether that be for weather or construction, you can always check MDOT’s MI Drive map to see the traffic cameras on the highways.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Conlin
State Representative
House District 48