Bill > HB4782

This bill amends a 1921 Michigan law regulating water-based transportation carriers by modifying provisions related to rate filing and ferry company operations. Specifically, the bill requires transportation companies (such as water-based freight, passenger, or express carriers) to file their rates, fares, and charges with the Department of State Police within 30 days of the law taking effect, with those rates remaining in force until new schedules are filed. The Department of State Police is given the authority to review these filings, suspend rates for up to 30 days, and conduct hearings to determine appropriate rates. The key change is in the third provision, which clarifies that ferry companies operating within a municipality under an existing agreement have more flexibility in setting their rates, and can do so even if a municipal ordinance might suggest otherwise, unless their specific agreement explicitly prohibits such rate-setting. This modification appears designed to give ferry companies more autonomy in pricing while maintaining oversight through their municipal agreements.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4782