2012 Senate Bill 909 / Public Act 387

Create Detroit regional mass transit authority

Introduced in the Senate

Jan. 26, 2012

Introduced by Sen. Tom Casperson (R-38)

To create a new Detroit area regional transportation authority (previously called DARTA) covering Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, and potentially others. Among other powers the authority could levy property taxes (special assessments) and higher local vehicle registration taxes with the approval of a majority of the aggregate of all votes cast in an election (meaning a particular community could not “opt out” of the tax increase). The authority would be specifically authorized to create “rolling rapid transit” corridors along some streets and highways, potentially with dedicated lanes other motorists could not use. This is part of Gov. Rick Snyder’s road and transit tax proposal.

Referred to the Committee on Transportation

March 15, 2012

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Nov. 27, 2012

Substitute offered

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Sen. Dave Hildenbrand (R-29)

To require any authority tax vote take place on a November general election date.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Sen. Rebekah Warren (D-18)

To require the proposed authority to spell out the relative roles of itself and Detroit and other cities that currently get dirent federal transit funds once the authority becomes the main or sole channel for this money.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Sen. Glenn Anderson (D-6)

To require that, of the two members of the board counties would get to appoint, one be named by the county executive and one by the county board.

The amendment failed 5 to 31 (details)

Amendment offered by Sen. Glenn Anderson (D-6)

To require that any tax imposed by the authority must be approved not only by a majority of voters in the region, but also by a majority in a majority of the region's cities, villages and townships.

The amendment failed 15 to 21 (details)

Passed in the Senate 22 to 16 (details)

To create a new Detroit area regional transportation authority covering Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, and potentially others. Among other powers the authority could levy property taxes (special assessments) and higher local vehicle registration taxes if approved by a majority of voters in the region, meaning a particular community could not “opt out” of the tax increase. The authority would be specifically authorized to create “rolling rapid transit” corridors along some streets and highways, potentially with dedicated lanes that other motorists could not use. It would be run by a board appointed by the counties and the City of Detroit.

Motion to reconsider by Sen. Arlan Meekhof (R-30)

The vote by which the bill was passed.

The motion passed by voice vote

Received

To create a new Detroit area regional transportation authority covering Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, and potentially others. Among other powers the authority could levy property taxes (special assessments) and higher local vehicle registration taxes if approved by a majority of voters in the region, meaning a particular community could not “opt out” of the tax increase. The authority would be specifically authorized to create “rolling rapid transit” corridors along some streets and highways, potentially with dedicated lanes that other motorists could not use. It would be run by a board appointed by the counties and the City of Detroit.

Passed in the Senate 24 to 14 (details)

Received in the House

Nov. 27, 2012

Referred to the Committee on Transportation

Dec. 5, 2012

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Amendment offered by Rep. David Nathan (D-11)

To revise details of the Detroit mayor's selection of board members for the proposed authority.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Douglas Geiss (D-22)

To revise details of the selection of Wayne County representatives on the proposed authority's board.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Charles Smiley (D-50)

To prohibit local governments in the authority region from using zoning or other means to block the operations of this proposed government mass transit agency or the construction of infrastructure intended to support it.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Dec. 6, 2012

Passed in the House 57 to 50 (details)

To create a new Detroit area regional transportation authority covering Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, and potentially others. Among other powers the authority could levy property taxes (special assessments) and higher local vehicle registration taxes if approved by a majority of voters in the region, meaning a particular community could not “opt out” of the tax increase. The authority would be specifically authorized to create “rolling rapid transit” corridors along some streets and highways, potentially with dedicated lanes that other motorists could not use. It would be run by a board appointed by the counties and the City of Detroit.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 19, 2012