The bill amends the existing law governing the Mackinac Bridge Authority, specifically focusing on tolls and charges for bridge usage. It establishes that all individuals or vehicles using the bridge must pay tolls set by the authority, with specific exemptions for the authority's personnel and authorized emergency vehicles responding to emergencies. Additionally, if the bridge experiences an unscheduled closure lasting longer than 90 minutes, tolls will not be charged to any individual or vehicle until three hours after the bridge reopens or until traffic from the closure has cleared.

The bill also introduces penalties for individuals who fail to pay the tolls, classifying such violations as misdemeanors punishable by up to 30 days of imprisonment or a fine of up to $500. The definition of "authorized emergency vehicle" is clarified to align with existing definitions in the Michigan vehicle code. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline toll collection processes while ensuring public safety and providing clear guidelines for toll exemptions during emergencies.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 254.322