Natalie Price

Michigan lawmakers are proposing legislation to address excessive noise from modified vehicles on Woodward Avenue in metro Detroit, which residents say disrupts their lives year-round. The bills, House Bills 6151 and 6152, would allow enforcement against loud vehicles on state highways with fines up to $1,000 for repeat offenses. Local authorities and residents support the measures, though some drivers argue the penalties are too steep.

Michigan lawmakers are proposing legislation to increase fines for drivers with illegal exhaust systems, raising penalties from $100 to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second. The bill removes the requirement for law enforcement to measure exhaust noise before issuing citations and includes a provision allowing first-time offenders to waive fines by removing modifications. The proposal faces mixed reactions from residents and drivers.

Michigan lawmakers introduced legislation to cap energy utilities' return on equity at 8.2%, restrict ratepayer funds from supporting executive compensation and political activities, and mandate independent audits of utility performance. The proposals aim to address consumer frustrations over high energy costs and reliability issues, particularly impacting low-income families and communities of color.