Inside 208

This week the Legislature sent a package of bills to the Governor that would address the way speed limits are set in Michigan. HB 4423 would require the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Michigan State Police (MSP) to increase the speed limits on at least 600 miles of [...]

Following the recent distribution of Personal Property Tax reimbursement payments to municipalities, the Local Community Stabilization Authority sent the letter linked below to the League explaining the basis of these payments and providing a link to the Michigan Department of Treasury’s web page where Treasury has now provided access to reimbursement [...]

A seven-bill package, SB 579 and 619-624,  is on the House agenda for second reading tomorrow when they return to session. This legislation is one vote away from heading to the Governor’s desk. The package of bills allows separate millages for library purposes to opt-out of tax capture. The League is opposed to [...]

SB 992 was passed out of House Committee this week and action is expected on the House floor early next week. This legislation provides a regulatory framework for individuals to legally operate drones in Michigan. It also sets forth provisions that an individual operator must follow or be subject to [...]

House Local Government Committee took testimony on HB 5238 but no vote was taken and the bill will need to be reintroduced next year. This bill would have required all cities and villages to use a Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) procurement process when acquiring architectural and engineering services. UBS is a [...]

Today, the Michigan Municipal League’s Chris Hackbarth and League Member and Big Rapids Mayor Mark Warba joined Governor Rick Snyder in signing House Bill 4578. The new law clarifies the use of tax proceeds by a recreational authority and is expanded to include school districts. Working in conjunction with officials from [...]

During an early morning hearing today, the House Local Government committee deferred action on comprehensive retiree health care reform (OPEB) until next term.  The only bill in the original 13-bill package to see any further debate was House Bill 6075, a bill focused on reporting/transparency of retiree pension and health [...]

Today the 21st Century Infrastructure Commission released a 188-page report on improving Michigan’s infrastructure and strengthening our economy. The reports Vision Statement is as follows: Michigan will lead the nation in creating a 21st Century infrastructure system that will include innovative technology, sustainable funding solutions, sound economic principals and integrated [...]

The Lame Duck session of the state Legislature is in full swing and there are a number of key issues potentially impacting your communities that the Michigan Municipal League is working on and watching. WE MAY NEED YOUR HELP over the next several days as the Legislature currently has session [...]

House bills 5851-5856 are headed to the Senate for consideration. The six bill package which severely hinders a Downtown Development Authority and other TIF authorities ability to capture special millages was voted out of the House yesterday afternoon. Language in this package defining what a new special millage is considered is [...]