Michigan is getting tough on drivers who endanger construction workers. Under a new law, effective Oct. 1, 2001, a driver who injures a construction worker in a work zone faces up to a year in prison. A driver who kills a worker could get up to 15 years. Signs will be posted to warn drivers of the new law. The Detroit Free Press reported that supporters call the new law, Andy's Law, in honor of construction worker Andrew Lefko, who was severely injured by a drunk driver in 1999. The driver served 45 days in jail.

Additionally, Michigan is looking at other bills that affect the trucking industry.

SB337, sponsored by Sen. Mat J. Dunaskiss, would amend the Motor Fuel Tax Act to specify that the tax imposed on motor fuel be the primary way motorists pay for the privilege of using the state's roads and highways. The bill also states, "The legislature further finds and determines that the taxation of persons by the amount of mileage driven in this state is not an acceptable method of taxation to impose on persons for the privilege of using the public roads and highways in this state." The tax of 19 cents per gallon on gasoline and 15 cents per gallon on diesel applies to all motor fuel imported into or sold, delivered or used in Michigan. The Senate referred the bill to its committee on transportation and tourism on March 15.

HB4081, sponsored by Robert Gosselin, proposes a cap on sales tax collection on gasoline that exceeds $1.20 per gallon. The last action on the bill was Jan. 31 when it was referred to the Committee on Tax Policy.

SB271 proposes a study of the environmental impact of salt and certain replacements, including alternative techniques for salt. The bill also would create a temporary commission for this purpose. It was referred to the committee on transportation and tourism March 1. SB134, proposed by Sen. Loren N. Bennett, would expand the state's gross vehicle weight fees chart to include additional weight levels. The bill was referred Feb. 6 to the committee on transportation and tourism.

The session ends Dec. 31, 2001. For bill status information, call (517) 373-0170.