MI HB4527

Increases criminal penalties for drivers who fail to take precautions to avoid injuring blind pedestrians using canes, walkers, or service animals at crosswalks

Establishes a basic misdemeanor for violations with fines of $100-$500 and up to 90 days imprisonment, up from the previous maximum of $100

Creates enhanced penalties for grossly negligent violations causing injury to a blind pedestrian or their service animal: up to 1 year imprisonment and/or $1,000 fine

Makes grossly negligent violations causing death of a blind pedestrian a felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and/or $7,500 fine

Replaces the term "dog guide" with "service animal" throughout the act and expands cane definition to include metallic-colored canes