PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO PAY

MACKINAC BRIDGE TOLL

House Bill 5801

Sponsor:  Rep. Scott Shackleton

Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 6-7-04

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5801 AS INTRODUCED 4-22-04

The bill would amend Public Act 214 of 1952, which regulates the Mackinac Bridge Authority, to make it a criminal offense to fail to pay the tolls and charges established by the authority for crossing the bridge.  Under the bill, failure to pay the bridge toll would be a misdemeanor offense punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days, a fine of not more than $500, or both.  (Note:  The maximum term of imprisonment of 93 days would trigger fingerprinting and criminal history record keeping requirements, which includes requiring a copy of the offender’s fingerprints to be sent to the FBI for a check of the national fingerprint database.)

MCL 254.322

FISCAL IMPACT:

Fines collected under these provisions of the bill could increase local revenue, depending on how many motorists were apprehended and successfully prosecuted.  The Mackinac Bridge Authority estimates that approximately 30 motorists each year attempt to evade payment of the bridge tolls.  Penal fines are constitutionally dedicated to the support of public libraries. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   William Hamilton

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.