Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville, testifies with Sen. Mary Cavanagh, D-Redford, before the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Oct. 22 about the need for bipartisan legislation to strengthen enforcement against robocall scams.
Sen. Roger Victory is calling for the state to step up its enforcement against robocall scams
Victory, R-Hudsonville, testified last week before a state Senate committee in Lansing about the need for his legislation to strengthen enforcement against robocall scams.
“Michigan families should be able to live their lives without being harassed by scam robocalls,” Victory said. “This bipartisan legislation would make commonsense reforms to put a stop to the robocall scams that take advantage of Michigan consumers, especially our senior citizens.
“These reforms would improve consumer protections and safeguard our residents from malicious and unfair telephone solicitations.”
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Senate Bills 351-355 would:
• Create explicit rules that telephone solicitors must follow to better protect consumers.
• Prohibit telephone solicitors from blocking caller ID or displaying misleading names, phone numbers or area codes.
• Allow the attorney general to investigate and pursue civil actions for alleged violations or noncompliance.
• Impose penalties and fines of up to $75,000 for telephone solicitors who target vulnerable residents.
Victory said the bills remain before the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection, but that he is confident that the measures will be reported soon to the full Senate for passage.
Victory, R-Hudsonville, testified last week before a state Senate committee in Lansing about the need for his legislation to strengthen enforcement against robocall scams.
“Michigan families should be able to live their lives without being harassed by scam robocalls,” Victory said. “This bipartisan legislation would make commonsense reforms to put a stop to the robocall scams that take advantage of Michigan consumers, especially our senior citizens.
“These reforms would improve consumer protections and safeguard our residents from malicious and unfair telephone solicitations.”
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Senate Bills 351-355 would:
• Create explicit rules that telephone solicitors must follow to better protect consumers.
• Prohibit telephone solicitors from blocking caller ID or displaying misleading names, phone numbers or area codes.
• Allow the attorney general to investigate and pursue civil actions for alleged violations or noncompliance.
• Impose penalties and fines of up to $75,000 for telephone solicitors who target vulnerable residents.
Victory said the bills remain before the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection, but that he is confident that the measures will be reported soon to the full Senate for passage.
Michigan Seeks to Limit Rest Stop Stays. Some Fear ‘Criminalizing Homelessness’
The Michigan Department of Transportation held a virtual public hearing Oct. 22 on proposed rules for its rest areas and highway properties. The rules would let police enforce limits on long-term parking and other activities. (Ed. Note:
Photo by Shutterstock
This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization, Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.)
By Janelle D. James
Bridge Michigan
The Michigan Department of Transportation is attempting to formalize rules that would limit camping, panhandling and long-term stays at rest stops and other state facilities, a move advocates contend could criminalize homelessness.
During a virtual public hearing Oct. 22, MDOT officials outlined proposed rules that would make it a misdemeanor crime to park vehicles at public rest areas for more than two days, ask for money on MDOT property, live in vehicles or sleep under overpasses.
“These rules are designed to enhance MDOT’s commitment to provide the public with safe, well-maintained facilities,” said Greg Losch, a regional engineer for the department. “MDOT has had internal rules and guidance on the intended use of MDOT facilities. However, they were not linked to any law or rule, so they were not statutorily backed.”
The new rules would cover all MDOT properties, including 61 highway rest areas, 82 roadside parks, 267 carpool lots, 23 scenic turnouts, 14 welcome centers and other areas the department manages, such as highways, overpasses, culverts and certain sidewalks.
Travelers and truck drivers could still rest in their vehicles at highway rest areas, but they would need to leave within 48 hours and wouldn’t be allowed to set up tents or other camping equipment.
“This is going to impact homeless individuals who are seeking shelter to get out of the elements,” Nick Cook, director of public policy at the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, told Bridge Michigan. “ We understand the need for these rules … what we’re concerned about is after the rules are in place, we’re not criminalizing homelessness.”
During the hearing, Losch said that MDOT would work with the state’s Department of Health and Human Services and other state agencies to post signs at carpool lots with information for individuals experiencing homelessness or a crisis.
“The rules are not written to criminalize being unhoused or homeless,” Losch said. “As written, they apply to everyone, and they establish the same expectations for use of MDOT facilities for all who visit them.”
Losch previously told WKAR radio in East Lansing that most MDOT facilities have long-term residents, some of whom stay for weeks or months.
Cook, with the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, said he agrees that people should not be living in an overpass or a park-n-rest for weeks at a time.
But “what we want is for MDOT to recognize that that person’s unhoused and that they get them to the coordinated entry point to the continuum of care and also make sure when they remove that individual from the area … that they do it with dignity. “
Homelessness has risen in Michigan in recent years, impacting 33,226 people as of 2023, according to the most recently available state data. Some communities have attempted to crack down on homeless encampments.
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A misdemeanor crime
MDOT has said the new rules are a response to complaints it has received. The department is seeking to formalize internal rules it had little authority to enforce. The only thing officials can do now is impound a vehicle if it hasn’t been moved in three days.
Under the new proposal, anyone who violates the rules “shall be guilty of a misdemeanor,” which could include fines or jail time, typically up to 93 days.
The rules should be implemented by spring and once in effect, police agencies would be able to enforce them. Violators could be charged with a misdemeanor, but penalties could vary depending on the violation.
MDOT is also seeking to ban individuals from requesting donations, money or selling items on MDOT property, with the exception of charitable organizations seeking donations with official permission.
“It’s not safe to panhandle in a lot of these areas – the rightaways along freeways, that’s dangerous,” said Cook, with the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness. “…But we want to look at it as one of the reasons why someone’s homeless and get them the resources (they need) to get into housing.”
Demonstrating, protesting, soliciting and loitering would also be banned under the proposed rules, which also sparks some pushback among political activists.
“When you take away sidewalks … as spaces to speak or gather or just exist, you’re not moving protest. You’re pushing people out of public sight. For a lot of us, the spaces are the only places that we can be heard,” said Genesee County resident Brenda Clark, during the virtual hearing.
The proposed MDOT rules would also require dogs to be leashed at all times at rest areas and prohibit people from dumping wastewater from campers and RVs, drinking alcohol, or hunting, fishing, and swimming on department property.
The department will take comments on the proposed rules until Nov. 20, either by mail or email.
MSP: Crashes Involving Farm Equipment Down Statewide
By Jon Adamy
Michigan Farm Bureau
Crashes involving farm equipment on Michigan roadways fell by 14.62 percent in 2024, according to Michigan State Police data.
Along with the decline in overall accidents — from 196 in 2023 to 171 in 2024 — there was one fewer fatal crash year-over-year, with two deaths recorded last year. Two-thirds of crashes resulted in no injuries, while 4.7 percent had suspected serious injuries and just under 12 percent resulted in minor injuries, according to MSP’s report.
While the numbers moved in the right direction last year, there’s more work to be done, said Michigan Farm Bureau Manager of Government Relations Rob Anderson.
“Harvest is well underway across the state, and farmers are working hard to get their work done safely and efficiently,” Anderson said. “It’s critical for drivers to remember to slow down — especially on rural roadways — and be patient as farmers move from field to field. When farmers and drivers share the road and give a little extra attention, we can all get home safely.”
At 55 miles per hour, it only takes five seconds to close the distance of a football field and catch up to a slow-moving tractor or other large farm implements. That means when you see a bright orange triangle on the back of equipment — the universal slow moving vehicle sign — it’s time to slow down and be ready for anything.
When it comes to passing farm equipment, it can be especially tough on rural roads or two-lane highways. Anderson said if you can’t see farmers in their mirrors, they probably can’t see you.
“Stay back, stay alert, and only pass when you’re absolutely sure it’s safe to do so,” he added.
“Farmers will pull over to let traffic pass when it’s safe, but with soft or narrow road shoulders, it’s not always possible. And keep in mind that farm equipment doesn’t turn like a car. Farmers need to make wide turns occasionally, so give them extra space and anticipate slower movements.”
Michigan Farm Bureau
Crashes involving farm equipment on Michigan roadways fell by 14.62 percent in 2024, according to Michigan State Police data.
Along with the decline in overall accidents — from 196 in 2023 to 171 in 2024 — there was one fewer fatal crash year-over-year, with two deaths recorded last year. Two-thirds of crashes resulted in no injuries, while 4.7 percent had suspected serious injuries and just under 12 percent resulted in minor injuries, according to MSP’s report.
While the numbers moved in the right direction last year, there’s more work to be done, said Michigan Farm Bureau Manager of Government Relations Rob Anderson.
“Harvest is well underway across the state, and farmers are working hard to get their work done safely and efficiently,” Anderson said. “It’s critical for drivers to remember to slow down — especially on rural roadways — and be patient as farmers move from field to field. When farmers and drivers share the road and give a little extra attention, we can all get home safely.”
At 55 miles per hour, it only takes five seconds to close the distance of a football field and catch up to a slow-moving tractor or other large farm implements. That means when you see a bright orange triangle on the back of equipment — the universal slow moving vehicle sign — it’s time to slow down and be ready for anything.
When it comes to passing farm equipment, it can be especially tough on rural roads or two-lane highways. Anderson said if you can’t see farmers in their mirrors, they probably can’t see you.
“Stay back, stay alert, and only pass when you’re absolutely sure it’s safe to do so,” he added.
“Farmers will pull over to let traffic pass when it’s safe, but with soft or narrow road shoulders, it’s not always possible. And keep in mind that farm equipment doesn’t turn like a car. Farmers need to make wide turns occasionally, so give them extra space and anticipate slower movements.”
