House Bill 4425 creates the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Incentive Program in Michigan. This program aims to encourage companies to produce or blend sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) within the state by offering corporate income tax credits. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will administer the program, certifying SAF that meets specific criteria, including source materials, technical standards, and a minimum 50% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional jet fuel. The bill sets an annual cap on the total amount of tax credits approved, starting at $4.5 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and increasing to $9 million annually thereafter.
House Bill 4424 proposes a new corporate income tax credit for businesses that produce or blend sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) within Michigan. Qualified taxpayers can claim a credit of $1.50 per gallon for SAF produced or blended in the state and sold for use in aircraft departing from Michigan airports. This credit can increase up to $2.00 per gallon based on the SAF's life-cycle greenhouse gas emission reductions. If the credit amount exceeds a company's tax liability, the difference will be refunded.
SB 356 modifies Michigan's requirements for driver education instructor preparation programs. It mandates that these programs must include exactly four specific courses covering driver task analysis, classroom development, vehicle operation skills, and practicum, with each course requiring at least 2 semester hours and a 3-week duration. The bill also sets higher qualifications for instructors, requiring either a master's degree in education or 1,500 classroom hours, 500 behind-the-wheel hours, and 3.5 years of instructor experience. These changes directly affect colleges, universities, and approved entities offering instructor training, as well as future driver education instructors seeking certification.
HB 4301 expands Michigan's definition of "authorized emergency vehicle" in the Vehicle Code (MCL 257.2 and 257.698) to include specific new categories. It adds vehicles owned by the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System during emergencies, clarifies that road service vehicles (like tow trucks) may use flashing amber lights while assisting disabled vehicles, and allows federally recognized nonprofits to use emergency lights during disaster response. The bill also clarifies when certain colored lights (red, blue, amber, green) may be used on emergency vehicles, including for snow removal, spill response, and funeral processions. This directly affects emergency responders, road service providers, and nonprofit organizations during crisis operations.
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Emergency Management
HB 4302 creates an exception to Michigan's commercial driver license (CDL) requirements for authorized emergency vehicles operated by the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. This means drivers operating these specific emergency vehicles do not need to obtain the standard CDL or related endorsements required for commercial vehicles. The bill amends Michigan's Vehicle Code (MCL 257.312e) to explicitly exempt these vehicles from the general CDL rules. The exception directly affects personnel operating emergency vehicles under the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, allowing them to operate without meeting standard CDL qualifications.
HB 4644 allows villages, cities, and townships with populations under 30,000 (based on the 2010 census) to permit golf cart operation on local streets and county roads, subject to specific safety rules. Key provisions include requiring operators to be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license, limiting speed to 15 mph, prohibiting operation on sidewalks or during nighttime (30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise), and requiring registration without fees. County boards may block golf cart use if safety or environmental concerns are proven after a public hearing. The bill also establishes procedures for local units to request limited golf cart access on state highways under specific conditions, such as connecting tourist areas or crossing natural barriers.
HB 4390 expands Michigan's vehicle code to allow testing of oral fluid (such as saliva) for controlled substances, alongside blood, breath, or urine, when determining impairment. It directly affects commercial drivers who refuse chemical tests for controlled substances or alcohol while operating commercial vehicles. The bill adds a new definition of "other bodily fluid" to include oral fluid and creates a process for "preliminary oral fluid analysis" conducted by certified experts at the scene. This change updates existing suspension rules for commercial drivers who refuse testing, ensuring consistent enforcement for controlled substances alongside alcohol. The policy change specifically targets commercial motor vehicle operators who decline chemical tests for drugs or alcohol.
SB 269 amends Michigan's Aeronautics Code (MCL 259.135) to allow qualified airports to directly accept, receive, and disburse certain federal airport funds without channeling them through the state commission, provided federal rules permit it. This change specifically applies to airports that meet federal eligibility requirements and are authorized to handle funds directly under federal law. The bill streamlines the funding process for these airports by removing the requirement to use the state commission as an agent for eligible federal grants. It does not alter funding amounts or create new programs, but adjusts administrative procedures for airport authorities. This procedural change affects qualified airports seeking direct federal funding for airport projects.
HB 4804 would increase the annual registration fee for vehicles with four or more tires (including most passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs) in Michigan. It directly affects vehicle owners who register these vehicles under the current fee structure. The bill amends Section 801 of the Michigan Vehicle Code to implement this fee increase, modifying the existing registration fee schedule. This change would generate additional revenue for the state's transportation fund through higher registration costs for affected vehicles.
SB 525 limits when Michigan state agencies can use drones (unmanned aircraft systems) to inspect facilities they regulate, requiring facility owners' consent or specific circumstances. Exceptions include obtaining written consent from owners (with conditions about FAA compliance), using a warrant, addressing imminent safety threats, inspecting infrastructure like roads or telecom towers, or during declared emergencies. Agencies must mark state-owned drones and share collected data (videos, photos) with facility owners upon request. The law explicitly excludes law enforcement drone use during investigations.
