2021 Senate Bill 379

Prohibit governor from unilaterally increasing state’s road debt

Introduced in the Senate

April 21, 2021

Introduced by Sen. Aric Nesbitt (R-26)

To prohibit a governor from adding to the state’s long term debt by borrowing money for road repairs (“bonding”) without consent from two-thirds of the House and Senate. The bill comes after the legislature refused to enact a 45 cent per gallon gas tax proposed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who in response committed taxpayers to repaying $800 million in new road debt in 2020, and eventually up to $3.5 billion. Money to service these debts comes out of future gas taxes and other transportation tax revenue.

Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

May 27, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

June 24, 2021

Passed in the Senate 19 to 16 (details)

Received in the House

June 24, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Transportation