Gov. Snyder signs legislation allowing drivers to electronically provide proof of auto registration

Motorists can now provide proof of auto registration to a law enforcement officer electronically under legislation signed Wednesday by Gov. Rick Snyder.

“As technology continues to rapidly evolve, it’s important that our state’s laws adapt to these changes,” Snyder said. “Allowing motorists to present vehicle registration to a law enforcement officer electronically is a common sense move that makes life easier for Michiganders.”

House Bill 4013, sponsored by state Rep. Peter Lucido, allows an individual to present proof of auto registration electronically when proof is requested by a law enforcement officer. The bill also prohibits a law enforcement officer from accessing any additional content on the electronic device while protecting the officer’s liability while in physical possession of the electronic device. It is now Public Act 59 of 2017.

Snyder also signed four additional bills:

• House Bill 4082, sponsored by state Rep. Mary Whiteford, requires the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to notify the township supervisor and primary emergency contact prior to conducting a planned burn. Additionally, this legislation provides that the DNR would be liable for costs a township incurred if the notice requirement is violated. It is now Public Act 60 of 2017.

• House Bill 4215, sponsored by state Rep. Holly Hughes, amends the Vehicle Code to apply the current prohibition of leaving a vehicle unattended without stopping the engine, locking the ignition, and removing the ignition key to vehicles on a highway and not to vehicles on private property. It also repeals a rule within the administrative code which has been adopted by many local units of government that prohibited leaving a vehicle running unattended, even on private property. It is now Public Act 61 of 2017.

• House Bill 4286, sponsored by state Rep. Roger Victory, changes the current process for adding counties to intercounty drainage districts. The bill also creates an alternative process for the revision of drainage district boundaries. It is now Public Act 62 of 2017.

• Senate Bill 239, sponsored by state Sen. Tom Casperson, amends Public Act 12 of 1925 to clarify that a portion of state trunkline highway in Alger County was properly abandoned by the Michigan Department of Transportation. It is now Public Act 63 of 2017.