MI SB0696

Street railways must obtain an operating license agreement with road authorities before constructing or operating on public streets and highways, approved after public hearing with at least 20 days' notice.

Road authorities cannot require street railways to obtain additional licenses, franchises, fees, or regulatory requirements beyond the operating license agreement, including fare or schedule regulations.

Street railways must pay all direct administrative costs of the road authority and all costs for constructing, mitigating impacts, and modifying streets or highways affected by the street railway system.

In qualified cities (those with a municipal lighting authority), street railways must pay costs to relocate public utility facilities unless the utilities are at unauthorized locations or the parties agree otherwise; in non-qualified cities, street railways must pay all relocation costs unless otherwise agreed.

Street railway property, income, and operations are exempt from state and local taxation.