Tri-City Sun

State Representative Timmy Beson voiced his concerns about House Bill 5733 during a testimony before a House committee. The bill proposes new tolling reforms that would involve the Secretary of State (SOS) in enforcing toll collections. According to the bill, the SOS could assist toll bridge or tunnel operators by sharing information on unpaid tolls and aiding in their collection through invoices if requested.

Beson argued that this legislation could worsen the current situation in Bay City, where tolling on the Liberty Bridge began last June. He expressed concern that the state might become an enforcement tool for private entities, complicating matters for small businesses. Under the proposed law, if an individual fails to pay six tolls within 90 days of receiving a notice, a toll operator could notify the SOS, potentially leading to refusals of vehicle registrations or transfers.

“I have heard from rental companies in the area who are getting unpaid toll bills for consumers who have used them and didn’t pay a toll,” Beson stated. “Now this plan could potentially put their livelihoods at risk. I worry there won’t be any discretion with this. Ultimately, we need to figure out a process locally and get a mechanism that works for drivers before we start coming down with one-size-fits-all enforcement."

He added, “This plan may work for some bridges in some areas of our state, but for Bay City it’s installing Step 7 or 8 before we even have the first few steps figured out.”

Following Beson's testimony, officials from the Secretary of State also opposed the plan, citing similar concerns regarding businesses being burdened with unpaid bills.

Beson's efforts are part of his broader initiative to support residents across Bay City. He recently suggested an amendment to a School Aid Fund budget plan aimed at providing reimbursements for toll bridge fees through state funding distributed to school districts within the Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District and affected families. The ongoing tolling has particularly impacted parents who now face additional costs if they live on opposite sides of the river from their child's school.

House Bill 5733 is still under review by the House Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee.