Yesterday the House Appropriations Committee passed House Bills 5414 and 5501, legislation that would repeal Driver Responsibility Fees. The fees were enacted over a decade ago to penalize “bad” drivers. The fees have contributed more than $100 million to the state’s general fund.

In addition they fund Fire Protection Grants for local communities. Fire Protection Grants are given to communities who have state buildings (i.e., office buildings, prisons, universities) that are not on the tax rolls to compensate for fire protection.

The League approached the sponsors and asked for dedicated funding for Fire Protection Grants. The committee discussed at length that they would find funding for these important grants. The sponsor is working with the House Fiscal Agency to identify a dedicated source of revenue.

Samantha Harkins is the Director of State Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League.  She can be reached at 517-908-0306 or email at sharkins@mml.org