House Bill 4334 proposes to enhance penalties for drivers who commit moving violations that result in physical injury or death to vulnerable roadway users. The bill amends several sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code (1949 PA 300) and adds new sections to implement these stricter consequences. Its aim is to increase accountability for drivers whose actions lead to harm for pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vulnerable individuals on the road.
HB 4120 exempts certain aircraft purchases and maintenance from Michigan's use tax. It applies to domestic air carriers using aircraft over 6,000 pounds for cargo, passenger, or combined transport, and to parts/materials affixed to such aircraft under specific conditions (e.g., aircraft not based in Michigan). The bill also exempts temporary aircraft in Michigan for maintenance or sales if they leave within 15 days, and extends tax exemptions to interstate trucking equipment used across state lines. These changes reduce tax burdens for airlines, aircraft maintenance providers, and interstate trucking companies operating in Michigan.
HB 5230 requires drivers of animal-drawn vehicles (like horse-drawn carriages, buggies, or coaches) operating on public roadways to install specific lighting. It mandates at least two white front lights visible 500 feet ahead, two red rear lights visible 500 feet behind, and two amber flashing warning lights on both front and rear. These lights must be mounted 2.5-12 feet high and used during low visibility (rain, fog, poor light), work zones, or when visibility drops below 1,000 feet. Noncompliance results in a $200 civil fine, and the law does not apply to vehicles on state park lands where motor vehicles are prohibited.
HB 4528 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to impose stiffer penalties for drivers who cause the death of a blind person or a guide dog while they are in a crosswalk. The bill directly affects drivers convicted of vehicular homicide in these specific scenarios. Its key provision increases sentencing severity under Michigan law (MCL 777.17b) for such incidents, requiring judges to consider the heightened risk faced by blind individuals and service animals. This policy change focuses on criminal sentencing outcomes without altering traffic laws or enforcement procedures.
HB 5296 modifies Michigan's corporate income tax revenue distribution by removing the allocation to the "strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund" (which was repealed) and redirecting those funds to the "neighborhood roads fund" starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill updates Section 695 of the Income Tax Act to reflect this change, specifying that after deposits to the general fund ($1.2 billion) and housing fund ($50 million), funds previously designated for the strategic reserve will instead go to the neighborhood roads fund (starting at $688 million in 2025-2026 and increasing annually through 2028-2029). This affects how corporate tax revenue is allocated to state programs, directly impacting the neighborhood roads fund's funding. The change applies to fiscal years beginning 2025-2026 and beyond, while other allocations (e.g., to housing and revitalization funds) remain unchanged.
HB 5298 clarifies that passengers injured in motor vehicles operated for passenger transportation (like buses or ride-sharing services) receive personal protection insurance benefits directly from the vehicle's insurer. It specifically excludes certain vehicles from this rule, including school buses, taxicabs, government transit, and nonprofit transport. The bill modifies Michigan's insurance code to ensure injured passengers in qualifying commercial vehicles can claim benefits without navigating complex multi-insurer processes. This affects passengers using commercial transportation services, not individual drivers or private vehicles. The change focuses on streamlining benefit claims for those in hired passenger vehicles.
SB 80 creates a state-funded program to help local governments build sound walls and other noise-reducing measures along state trunk line highways. It establishes a "noise abatement measure fund" to provide grants or loans for projects that reduce highway noise, directly affecting residents near these roads and local road authorities managing them. The program requires the state transportation department to evaluate projects using a scoring system focused on cost-effectiveness, the number of homes receiving at least 5 decibels of noise reduction, and existing noise levels. Local road authorities can apply for funding, and the department must annually report application details and decisions to the legislature.
SB 92 creates a program to reimburse small businesses for revenue losses caused by unexpected road closures or construction delays exceeding schedules. It directly affects local businesses near road projects, providing grants up to $15,000 annually based on a three-year average revenue decline. The program requires businesses to apply with documentation, and the Department of Transportation must prioritize applications using specific criteria like revenue decline rate, construction duration, and traffic disruption severity. The bill establishes a dedicated fund in the state treasury, mandates annual reports to legislative committees on grant usage, and requires decisions on applications within 120 days.
HB 4143 changes how Michigan allocates corporate income tax revenue. Starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, it directs $500 million annually to county road commissions and $500 million to cities/villages for local road projects. After 2026, all corporate tax revenue from this source will fund the Michigan Transportation Fund, which distributes money for state transportation projects. This directly affects local governments receiving road funding and state budget allocations for transportation infrastructure.
HB 4210 amends Michigan's sales tax distribution rules to adjust funding for the Comprehensive Transportation Fund. It changes the percentage of sales tax revenue from car-related purchases (fuels, vehicles, parts/accessories sold by dealers/gas stations) allocated to this fund: 27.9% until September 2025, 60% for fiscal year 2025-2026, then 25% annually starting October 2026. The bill also maintains existing allocations for school aid (60%), city revenue sharing (15%), and specifies that 35% of aviation fuel tax revenue goes to the State Aeronautics Fund while 65% funds qualified airports. These changes directly affect businesses selling vehicles, fuel, and parts, and govern how transportation funding is structured.
