State Rep. Timmy Beson is continuing to protect families, workers and small business owners in Bay City from cumbersome local tolling fees that are nickel and diming residents.

Beson has worked closely with a sponsor of legislation that authorizes the Michigan Secretary of State to assist with the collection of unpaid tolls and related fees. Because of Beson’s conversations and efforts to protect Bay City, House Bill 4809 applies strictly to international bridges – specifically the Ambassador Bridge. It does not include any other tolling entities or local bridges within Michigan, including the Liberty Bridge and Independence Bridge.

“Bay City would not be included in this, as it would be making a bad situation for our area even worse,” Beson said. “When this bill was introduced last term, I successfully brought forth an amendment that ensured the Liberty Bridge and Independence Bridge would be exempted. I also advocated last term for toll bridge reimbursements for the Bay-Arenac Intermediate School Districts to go to impacted families who have to drive back and forth across these bridges to take their kids to and from school. Unfortunately, these reimbursements weren’t included in the budget that was eventually sent to the governor.

“I brought those proposed changes to Lansing because of feedback I heard from countless families and small businesses across our community. I have heard from you, I continue to hear from you, and I am continuing to fight for you on this issue so people in Bay City have fairness and a common-sense way forward.”

Beson noted concerns he has heard that HB 4809 could set a precedent that might later be used to extend similar authority to other tolling companies. The legislation cannot be expanded without undergoing a similar full legislative process, and he would not support any move that would apply to Bay City bridges and put residents at risk.

Beson is also currently working on legislation to cap excessive late fees on unpaid tolls. The plan is aimed at protecting drivers from unreasonable financial penalties and ensuring greater fairness in toll collection practices. In some instances, Beson said, notices may take several days to show up in the mail which leads to higher late fees and an unfair process.

“I will remain in communication with local officials and work on legislation in Lansing to put Bay City first,” Beson said.