Transportation (Freight)

passed · Michigan · House May 13, 2026

HR 311: A resolution to declare May 13, 2026, as Rail Day in the state of Michigan.

This bill designates May 13, 2026, as Rail Day in Michigan to formally recognize the state's rail infrastructure. The resolution highlights the industry's role in supporting the economy, reducing road congestion, and maintaining safety records. It serves as a commemorative measure celebrating the contributions of freight and passenger rail systems rather than implementing new operational rules.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill recognizes rail infrastructure's role in reducing congestion and supporting the economy, promoting sustainable transportation.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Freight Rail Roads & Highways

Track

in committee · Michigan · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 958: Transportation: railroads; minimum freight train operating crew size; require. Amends 1993 PA 354 (MCL 462.101 - 462.451) by adding sec. 352.

This bill requires railroad companies in Michigan to operate freight trains with a minimum crew of two people. It applies to all freight trains unless the train is being moved within a yard for maintenance purposes, assisting another train with mechanical issues or steep grades, or if a federal law already mandates two crew members. The law defines specific terms like 'helper service' and 'hostler service' to clarify when the two-person crew requirement does not apply. By adding a new section to the existing railroad code, the measure establishes a new standard for crew staffing on freight operations.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates a minimum two-person crew for freight trains, directly enhancing workplace safety and protecting workers' rights.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates minimum crew sizes for freight trains to enhance transportation safety and operational standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Freight Rail

Track

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 13, 2025

SB 152: Sales tax: exemptions; purchase of certain aircraft and aviation equipment; exempt. Amends sec. 4x of 1933 PA 167 (MCL 205.54x).

SB 152 exempts sales of large aircraft (6,000+ pound takeoff weight) and qualifying parts/materials used for transporting cargo or passengers from Michigan's state sales tax. It directly affects domestic air carriers (businesses primarily transporting cargo or passengers) and aircraft sellers, provided the aircraft isn't based or registered in Michigan before/after the sale or maintenance. Key conditions include requiring the aircraft to leave Michigan within 15 days after qualifying transactions and excluding shop equipment, fuel, and smaller aircraft from the exemption. The bill modifies Michigan's General Sales Tax Act (MCL 205.54x) to create these specific tax exemptions.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExempts aircraft sales from state sales tax, reducing tax revenue and weakening state budget by limiting tax collection.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExempts sales tax for large aircraft used in cargo/passenger transport, reducing costs for carriers and supporting aviation infrastructure within transportation sector.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Airports Freight

Track

in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 13, 2025

SB 153: Use tax: exemptions; purchase of certain aircraft and aviation equipment; exempt. Amends sec. 4k of 1937 PA 94 (MCL 205.94k). TIE BAR WITH: SB 152'25

SB 153 exempts certain aircraft parts and materials from Michigan's use tax when affixed to qualifying aircraft used by domestic air carriers. It applies to aircraft meeting specific weight requirements (e.g., 6,000+ pounds for post-1996 taxes) used for cargo, passenger transport, or mixed purposes. The bill also creates tax exemptions for aircraft temporarily in Michigan for maintenance, sales, or repairs (if removed within 15 days) and for interstate trucking equipment meeting usage criteria. These changes directly affect air carriers and motor carriers operating across state lines by reducing their tax burden on qualifying equipment purchases.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesCreates tax exemptions for aviation industry, reducing state tax revenue and weakening tax base per bill's explicit exemption language.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExempts aircraft/trucking equipment from use tax, reducing operational costs for transportation companies, directly supporting industry operations within transportation policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports Freight

Track

in committee · Michigan · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 4119: Sales tax: exemptions; purchase of certain aircraft and aviation equipment; exempt. Amends sec. 4x of 1933 PA 167 (MCL 205.54x).

HB 4119 exempts sales of large aircraft (over 6,000 pounds) and certain parts/materials attached to them from Michigan's sales tax when used by commercial airlines for passenger or cargo transport. It specifically applies to domestic air carriers operating under federal aviation rules, covering both new aircraft purchases and maintenance-related transactions. Key conditions include requiring aircraft to leave Michigan within 15 days of temporary use (e.g., for evaluation or repairs) and ensuring they were not based or registered in Michigan before or after the transaction. This policy change directly affects commercial airlines and aircraft sellers, reducing tax liability on qualifying equipment purchases and maintenance services.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesCreates sales tax exemption for commercial aviation, reducing state tax revenue. Weakens tax base rather than strengthening it.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExempts sales tax on large aircraft purchases for commercial airlines, reducing costs and supporting aviation transportation operations per bill's intent.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Airports Freight

Track

in committee · Michigan · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 4120: Use tax: exemptions; purchase of certain aircraft and aviation equipment; exempt. Amends sec. 4k of 1937 PA 94 (MCL 205.94k). TIE BAR WITH: HR 0002'25

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.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExempts aircraft purchases from use tax, reducing state revenue. Creates tax break for aviation industry, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of tax weakening.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExempts aviation/trucking equipment from use tax, reducing operational costs for transportation businesses and supporting industry growth and infrastructure investment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports Freight

Track

passed both · Michigan · House May 29, 2025

HB 4343: Traffic control: violations; certain trucks assisting in a state of emergency; exempt from frost laws. Amends sec. 722 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.722).

HB 4343 exempts certain commercial trucks assisting in a declared state of emergency from Michigan's frost laws, which typically restrict truck operations during freezing conditions. This means trucks providing emergency response services (like transporting supplies or personnel) will not face traffic violations for operating during frost conditions when supporting emergency efforts. The bill amends Michigan's Vehicle Code (MCL 257.722) to create this specific exception for emergency assistance vehicles. It directly affects commercial truck operators and emergency management agencies during declared emergencies.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExempts emergency response trucks from frost law restrictions during crises, enabling uninterrupted transport of critical supplies/personnel and enhancing emergency transportation safety per MCL 257.722 amendments.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Freight Tags Emergency Management

Track

passed both · Michigan · House May 29, 2025

HB 4344: Transportation: carriers; limitation on driving hours; remove during a state of emergency. Amends sec. 1a of 1963 PA 181 (MCL 480.11a).

HB 4344 removes driving hour limits for commercial motor vehicle drivers during declared state emergencies. It specifically exempts drivers traveling to assist with or directly helping during disasters from federal hours-of-service rules (49 CFR part 395) under Michigan's Emergency Management Act. This change directly affects commercial drivers transporting goods or people in support of emergency response efforts when a state of emergency is active.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRemoves driving hour limits for commercial drivers during emergencies to facilitate disaster response, supporting transportation infrastructure functionality in crises.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Freight Tags Emergency Management

Track

passed both · Michigan · House Jun 26, 2025

HB 4426: Transportation: carriers; age requirement to operate a commercial motor vehicle; modify. Amends sec. 2d of 1963 PA 181 (MCL 480.12d).

HB 4426 amends Michigan's Motor Carrier Safety Act (MCL 480.12d) to set a minimum age of 21 for drivers transporting hazardous materials requiring placards under federal rules. It maintains the existing 18-year-old minimum for most commercial driving but specifically raises the age requirement for hazardous materials transport. The bill does not change medical waiver or grandfathered driver provisions. This change directly affects commercial drivers operating in Michigan who transport hazardous materials requiring placards.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRaises minimum age for hazardous materials transport to enhance safety standards, aligning with transportation safety improvements under the Motor Carrier Safety Act.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Freight

Track

in committee · Michigan · House Jul 22, 2025

HB 4735: Transportation: other; weight-distance fees; provide for. Amends 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.1 - 257.923) by adding sec. 801l.

HB 4735 requires operators of heavy vehicles (59,999 pounds or more) to report quarterly miles driven in Michigan and pay a $0.0285 per mile "weight-distance fee" starting January 1, 2027. It allows for a $40, 10-day unlimited-mile pass to temporarily avoid reporting and fees. Penalties include fines for missed reports (2% of estimated fee or $100 min), misreporting (50% of fee), and late payments (2% per 30 days, with interest). The bill directly affects commercial trucking operators and owners of large vehicles operating on Michigan public highways.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill imposes a mileage fee on heavy vehicles to fund transportation infrastructure, directly generating revenue for road maintenance and safety programs under transportation policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Freight Transportation Funding

Track