SB 52 amends Michigan's Port Authority Act (1978 PA 639) to update financial rules for port authorities. It modifies how these authorities manage grant funds, issue revenue bonds, and use "ancillary financing facilities" like interest rate swaps or insurance contracts. The bill adds new language (Section 19a) and revises multiple existing sections to clarify financial operations. This procedural update directly affects port authorities managing state-owned port facilities, such as piers, docks, and related infrastructure, without creating new facilities or changing their core responsibilities.
SB 695 allows regional transit authorities in Michigan to charge an extra $1.20 per $1,000 of a vehicle’s value (on top of standard registration fees) for transit funding, but only if approved by voters in a November election. It requires ballot measures to specify how funds will be used and limits spending to transit projects. The tax applies to regular vehicle registrations in transit regions, excluding company test vehicles (e.g., manufacturer-owned vehicles used for testing). It takes effect January 1, 2027, pending approval of related legislation. This change directly affects vehicle owners in participating transit regions through their registration costs.
SB 692 modifies how regional transit authorities in Michigan can raise funds for public transportation. It requires voter approval for local transit taxes through a November election, with ballot measures clearly stating the tax rate, duration, purpose, and whether it's a renewal or new tax. The bill mandates that at least 85% of funds collected from local taxes or vehicle registration fees must be spent on transit services within the community where the money was raised. It also adds new reporting requirements for transit authorities starting January 1, 2027, including annual cost/revenue reports and asset management plans.
SB 578 creates a new Neighborhood Roads Fund to support maintenance of local neighborhood streets and modifies the existing Movable Bridge Fund to improve bridge infrastructure funding. The bill changes how these funds are managed and allocated, directly affecting local governments responsible for road and bridge upkeep. Key provisions include establishing dedicated funding sources for neighborhood roads and adjusting eligibility rules for bridge repair projects. These changes clarify state funding streams for community infrastructure without altering tax rates or new construction policies.
HB 4183 increases the motor fuel tax rate and expands the types of fuels subject to the tax under Michigan law. It directly affects motor fuel sellers (like gas stations) and consumers through higher costs for gasoline and other taxed fuels. The bill amends Section 8 of the 2000 Motor Fuel Tax Act (MCL 207.1008) to implement these changes, which became law immediately upon approval by the Governor on October 7, 2025.
SB 235 creates a corporate income tax credit for businesses that use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It directly affects airlines and fuel producers in Michigan by reducing their state tax liability based on the volume of SAF they utilize. The bill amends Michigan's tax code (MCL 206.1-206.847) to add a specific provision allowing corporations to claim this credit. This provides a financial incentive for adopting SAF, aiming to support cleaner aviation fuel adoption without specifying environmental outcomes.
Senate Bill 137 amends several sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code to account for the electronic transfer of vehicle titles. The bill specifies that certain existing requirements for physical paper titles, such as endorsement and delivery, do not apply when a vehicle title is issued electronically. This update helps modernize the process for vehicle owners, purchasers, and transferees by integrating electronic title practices into current law.
SB 174 is a routine appropriations bill that allocates $6.9 billion in funding for Michigan's State Transportation Department for fiscal year 2025-2026. It specifies funding sources including $2.3 billion in federal revenues, $4.5 billion in state restricted revenues, and $2 million from the state general fund. The bill details how funds will be distributed across department operations, infrastructure maintenance, debt service (like the State Trunkline Fund), and interdepartmental grants to other state agencies. This bill does not create new policies or affect specific groups - it solely authorizes the spending of existing funds for transportation department activities.
