INCREASE PENALTIES FOR TEXTING

OR MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING

House Bill 4199 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Jason M. Sheppard

Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 4-29-19

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4199 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to increase the civil fine for operating a vehicle while reading, typing, or sending a message on a wireless two-way communication device from $100 to $250 for a first violation and from $200 to $500 for a second or subsequent violation.

MCL 257.602b and 257.907

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4199 would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on the state and on local units of government. The fiscal impact on local court systems would depend on how provisions of the bill affected caseloads and related administrative costs. As provided in the Vehicle Code for civil infractions under the Code, civil fine revenues would be applied to the support of public and county law libraries. The state could see an increase in revenue, as Justice System assessment revenue is deposited into the state Justice System Fund, which supports various justice-related endeavors in the judicial and legislative branches of government and the Departments of State Police, Corrections, Health and Human Services, and Treasury.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Robin Risko

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