HB 5651 Michigan House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Traffic control: speed restrictions; enforcement of speed restrictions in school zones; modify. Amends sec. 627a of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.627a).

This bill modifies Michigan's vehicle code to update rules for speed limits and enforcement in school zones. It clarifies definitions for school zones and adjusts the timing of when lower speed limits must be enforced, expanding the window before and after school sessions to 60 minutes instead of 30. The legislation also allows school superintendents to set additional enforcement periods for times like off-campus lunch and field trips, while maintaining a minimum speed limit of 25 mph in these zones. Additionally, it permits the use of digital signs and flashing lights to display school zone speed limits and requires specific signage for year-round schools.

Issues: ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 3, 2026 Last action Jun 16, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

House Introduced Bill → Substitute (H-2) · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to expand the definition of 'school' to include private, denominational, and parochial organizations, ensuring they are covered by school zone safety laws. The changes also clarify how school zones are established when multiple schools share property and update the rules for designating additional enforcement periods for off-campus activities like lunch and field trips. A new requirement mandates that flashing lights must be activated during these extra enforcement periods to alert drivers.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include private, denominational, and parochial schools, whereas the original version may have been limited to public institutions.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'school' was updated to explicitly include private, denominational, and parochial organizations, broadening the law's application to non-public schools.

REQUIREMENT

Rules for establishing school zones were clarified to address scenarios where two or more schools occupy the same or adjacent properties.

The Superintendent's authority to designate additional enforcement periods was updated to include off-campus lunch periods and field trips, with a new requirement to activate flashing lights during these times.

A new provision requires that if additional enforcement periods are designated, a school zone sign with flashing lights must be installed and activated during those specific times.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 16, 2026

Committee

referred to second reading

lower

Jun 16, 2026

Lower · Passed

reported with recommendation with substitute (H-2)

lower

Mar 3, 2026

Committee

referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

lower

Mar 3, 2026

Introduced

introduced by Representative Rep. Curtis VanderWall

lower

1 primary · 8 co-sponsors