Michigan Bill Could Authorize Theft Fees on Commercial Trucks

Michigan senators approved legislation that could allow the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority to assess small fees on commercial vehicles, not just private passenger vehicles.

Under current law, auto insurers pay $1 a year per insured car. State Attorney General Bill Schuette issued a 2015 opinion saying the authority can assess fees on every insurance policy in Michigan, not just policies for private passenger vehicles.

The nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency says the bill (SBill 168) could generate more revenue for the authority, but it’s uncertain whether it would result in a “significant” boost in $1 assessments. The revenue would be used to provide funding to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors for the investigation of cargo theft and other issues affecting commercial motor vehicles.

The legislation was sent to the House for consideration.