Two lame-duck bills would increase fees for motorists, recreational boaters

Two bills that the Legislature may vote on during the lame-duck session could mean higher costs for vehicle and boat owners. Under House Bill 6257, introduced by Rep. Jasper Martus, D-Flushing, the state would add $100 to current vehicle registration fees, which must be paid annually. Watercraft owners will also face fee increases.

HB 6257 aims to amend the Michigan Vehicle Code and reads in part: “Beginning 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this subsection, in addition to the registration taxes provided for in this section, the secretary of state shall collect an additional $100.00 fee from each registrant.”

Michigan Capitol Confidential could not determine whether the $100 increase would apply only to each person who registered a vehicle or to each vehicle. Martus, when asked by CapCon, did not specify. CapCon is also uncertain about whether the increase is a one-time fee or an annual increase. The bill also does not specify if this is a one-time fee or if it will be an annual charge. CapCon asked the House Fiscal Agency if it could clarify, but the office replied that it had not analyzed the legislation.

When CapCon asked Martus to clarify, he replied, “There are ongoing conversations about a road funding deal” and suggested we reach out to the Speaker of the House for more information. House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, did not respond to a request for comment.

Auto owners are not the only people who might face higher fees as a result of the lame-duck session. Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, introduced House Bill 6230. The legislation would raise registration fees for most watercraft by 30%. Registration for a motorboat or pontoon vessel with a length between 21 feet and 28 feet would increase from $115 to $149.50, for example. The fee for a motorized boat less than 12 feet long would increase from $14 to $18.20.

Pohutsky did not respond to a request for comment.

Michigan’s lame-duck session appears to be petering out after Michigan’s Democratic trifecta has splintered. Sen. Sylvia Santana, D-Detroit, and Rep. Karen Whitsett, D-Detroit, have said that they won’t attend session on Wednesday because Democratic leadership won’t approve legislative priorities, the Detroit News reported. Without those two votes, lawmakers can’t approve bills.

Michigan House Republicans have refused to show up to session or vote on bills until the Democratic majority votes on bills to reform a looming elimination of the tipped wage, a higher minimum wage, and paid sick leave rules set to take effect Feb. 25 that is expected to increase restaurant costs by about 25%.