Transportation (Pedestrian Safety)

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.

Senate Bill 265 amends the law governing the Michigan Transportation Fund, affecting how the State Transportation Department, counties, cities, and villages allocate funds. The bill mandates that at least 1% of these funds must be expended on constructing, improving, maintaining, or repairing nonmotorized transportation infrastructure, explicitly stating that "maintaining" does not include snow removal. It broadens the definition of qualified nonmotorized facilities and allows the 1% spending requirement to be met as an average over a 10-year period. Additionally, the bill requires these government entities to develop 5-year programs for nonmotorized facility improvements and consult with other jurisdictions on related projects.

SB 217 increases penalties for drivers who commit moving violations (like speeding or reckless driving) that cause physical injury or death to pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable roadway users. It amends Michigan's criminal code (MCL 777.12e) to enhance the penalties for these specific offenses. The bill directly affects drivers whose actions result in harm to non-motorized road users, raising the legal consequences for such incidents.

SB 216 increases criminal penalties for drivers who cause physical injury or death to pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable roadway users through moving traffic violations (like speeding or running a red light). It amends Michigan's traffic laws to enhance penalties under specific sections, adding new provisions (79g and 79h) that strengthen consequences for these offenses. The bill directly affects drivers convicted of moving violations resulting in harm to non-motorized road users, making penalties more severe than current standards. This policy change focuses on improving accountability for dangerous driving that endangers pedestrians and cyclists, without specifying future outcomes.