Shelby Review

Michigan State Representative Josh Schriver (R-Utica) has announced recent actions taken by the House Oversight Committee, including issuing subpoenas to several state agencies. Schriver stated, "Recently, we’ve issued a historic number of subpoenas to hold government agencies accountable—including the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and even the Attorney General’s office. These subpoenas became necessary after months of unanswered questions surrounding their out-of-touch policies, blatant failures, and harmful misconduct."

Schriver emphasized his personal involvement: "I personally voted to subpoena multiple state department appointees to testify before the Oversight Committee." He cited concerns from constituents about public assistance distribution and issues within the foster care system as reasons for increased oversight. According to Schriver, "There are also troubling concerns about the foster care system, including reports of orphans sleeping on the floor. This must end immediately."

He added that these subpoenas now legally require departments to respond: "Now that subpoenas have been issued, these departments are legally obligated to respond and provide the transparency the public deserves."

In addition to oversight efforts, Schriver introduced legislation—House Bills 4751 through 4753—aimed at repealing what he called “anti-Christ laws.” The bills seek to overturn three statutes he believes infringe on constitutional religious freedoms. Citing Article I, Section 4 of the Michigan Constitution—“The civil and political rights, privileges and capacities of no person shall be diminished or enlarged on account of his religious belief”—Schriver said: "My active mission is to repeal any laws that violate our God-given rights."

The proposed repeals target requirements for faith-based employers regarding abortion coverage in health insurance plans; penalties for medical professionals who advise patients on risks related to gender-transition procedures; and legal exposure for small businesses declining services conflicting with their religious beliefs.

On legislative votes, Schriver explained his support for House Bills 4506–4508, which sought stricter sentencing guidelines for juveniles convicted of murder. "These bills were crafted in response to a troubling Michigan Supreme Court ruling that prevents prosecutors and judges from issuing life without parole sentences to juveniles—even in cases where multiple people are murdered," he said. The measures failed with a vote tally of 55–43.

Schriver also supported HB 4141, which would restrict smart phone use in Michigan public schools. He stated: "This bill places reasonable restrictions on student smart phone use in Michigan schools." The measure did not pass, with a vote tally of 53–45.

Schriver concluded by inviting constituents with questions or comments to contact his office.