Transportation and Infrastructure

Michigan House Bill 6281 amends the Motor Fuels Quality Act to update regulations for gasoline and diesel fuel sold in the state. The bill directs the director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to establish specific standards for fuel purity, additives, and octane ratings, while mandating a vapor pressure limit of 9.0 psi for most retail outlets during the summer months from June 1 to September 15. It also clarifies that certain counties with stricter air quality requirements must continue using lower vapor pressure fuels of 7.0 or 7.8 psi unless federal and state agencies determine those standards are no longer necessary. Additionally, the legislation permits the year-round sale of E15 fuel, which contains 10.5% to 15% ethanol, provided that dispensing pumps are clearly labeled in accordance with federal law.

Michigan House Bill 6309 designates a specific section of highway M-86 in Branch County as the "Casey Rice Memorial Highway." The named portion begins at the intersection with US-12 and extends west to Arbogast Road. This bill amends the state's memorial highway act to formally recognize this stretch of road, serving as a tribute to Casey Rice.

This Michigan bill amends the state's vehicle code to clarify that traffic violations designated as civil infractions cannot be treated as lesser included offenses of criminal charges. It establishes specific fine ranges for various driving and vehicle equipment violations, including a new provision that requires courts to waive fines and costs if a driver cited for an illegible registration plate provides proof of having obtained and installed a compliant plate before their court date. The legislation also mandates a $40 justice system assessment for most civil infractions and allows judges to order additional educational or rehabilitation programs alongside monetary penalties.

Michigan House Bill 6273 amends the state vehicle code to update rules regarding speed limits in school zones. The bill allows county road commissions to permanently lower a school zone speed limit to 25 miles per hour upon request from a school district, without requiring a new traffic study. It also clarifies that temporary reduced speed limits can be set up to 30 minutes before and after school sessions, with flexibility for superintendents to adjust these times based on specific schedules or off-campus lunch periods.

Michigan House Bill 6272 amends the state vehicle code to establish a default speed limit of 55 miles per hour for county highways with gravel or unimproved surfaces. The bill allows municipalities in counties with populations of one million or more to request that this limit be lowered to 45 miles per hour on specific road segments, with the municipality covering any associated signage costs. Alternatively, if a different speed is requested, the state police must conduct a traffic study after full gravel maintenance protocols are completed to set a new limit based on free-flowing traffic data.