2021 Senate Bill 507 / Public Act 71

Waive drivers license late fees until Secretary of State fully open

Introduced in the Senate

June 3, 2021

Introduced by Sen. Kevin Daley (R-31)

To prohibit the Secretary of State from charging drivers license renewal late fees until all its branch offices are open “on a consistent basis” for a minimum of 25 hours per week for in-person services with no appointment or preregistration requirement. Also, to require the department to submit to the legislature a detailed report on how it plans to get caught up on renewals delayed by branch office closures and open-hour limitations in response to the coronavirus epidemic.

Referred to the Committee of the Whole

June 10, 2021

Passed in the Senate 25 to 10 (details)

Received in the House

June 10, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Oversight

June 24, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

June 30, 2021

Substitute offered by Rep. Steven Johnson (R-72)

To adopt a less "prescriptive" version of the bill that still requires Secretary of State branch offices to be open for same-day, walk-in services.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Julie Brixie (D-69)

To not permit the bill to become law unless House Bills 4946 and 4947 also become law, which would appropriate an extra $20 million federal stimulus dollars to cover Secretary of State branch office expenses.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Passed in the House 95 to 14 (details)

To prohibit the Secretary of State from charging late fees on drivers license or licenses and document renewals until all its branch offices are open for walk-in service that allow same-day transactions to be completed without the requirement of an advance appointment.

Received in the Senate

July 15, 2021

Passed in the Senate 35 to 0 (details)

Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

July 29, 2021