Senate Bill 1151 Summary

• Amends the 1921 water carrier law to establish that carriers by water are common carriers, not public utilities, while subjecting them to Michigan Public Service Commission regulation of rates, fares, charges, and schedules.

• Requires carriers by water to file tariffs with the commission detailing rates, fares, charges, and schedules; allows the commission to suspend tariffs for up to 90 days and conduct hearings to establish lawful rates.

• Establishes uniform carrier by water local franchise agreements with standardized requirements including bridge safety cooperation, homeland security/immigration compliance, and annual franchise fees not to exceed 1% of gross revenues.

• Mandates the commission establish a standardized franchise agreement form within 30 days; local governments may require franchises but only under terms authorized by the act and cannot impose additional fees or operational requirements beyond those specified.

• Creates enforcement mechanisms including civil penalties of $500-$1,000 for first violations and $1,000-$5,000 for subsequent violations, plus authority to revoke franchises and issue cease-and-desist orders for violations.