# THE MICHIGAN ROAD CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

## A BILL

To establish strict accountability, transparency, workmanship standards, and performance oversight for all public roadway construction and repair contracts within the State of Michigan; to ensure taxpayer funds are utilized efficiently; to improve construction quality and project completion standards; and to provide enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations.

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# SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE

This Act shall be known and may be cited as the:

**“Michigan Road Construction Accountability Act.”**

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# SECTION 2. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS

The Legislature finds the following:

1. Michigan citizens rely upon safe, durable, and properly maintained public roads for transportation, commerce, emergency services, and economic stability.

2. Taxpayers have the right to expect efficient use of public funds and professional execution of publicly funded infrastructure projects.

3. Repeated delays, poor workmanship, unnecessary project extensions, wasteful spending, and inadequate oversight have caused financial burdens and significant disruption to Michigan residents and businesses.

4. Existing oversight mechanisms have proven insufficient to ensure consistent quality standards, project transparency, contractor accountability, and timely completion.

5. It is the intent of this Act to restore public trust by requiring measurable standards of performance, transparency, documentation, and accountability for all road construction projects funded by the State of Michigan.

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# SECTION 3. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Act is to:

a. Ensure high-quality road construction and repair standards.

b. Prevent misuse or waste of taxpayer funds.

c. Establish transparent documentation of materials, labor, timelines, and project completion.

d. Hold contractors accountable for delays, negligence, fraud, or substandard workmanship.

e. Protect Michigan residents from unnecessary disruption caused by poorly managed infrastructure projects.

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# SECTION 4. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Act:

1. “Contractor” means any corporation, subcontractor, partnership, or entity performing publicly funded roadway construction or repair within Michigan.

2. “Public roadway project” means any state, county, municipal, or federally funded transportation infrastructure project involving roads, highways, bridges, or related systems.

3. “Substandard workmanship” means construction or repair work failing to meet engineering specifications, material standards, safety standards, or durability expectations established by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

4. “Project documentation” means all records relating to labor hours, equipment usage, materials, timelines, inspections, costs, photographs, and project progress.

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# SECTION 5. CONTRACTOR ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. All contractors performing roadway projects within Michigan shall:

* complete projects within established contractual timelines,
* maintain professional staffing and scheduling standards,
* minimize unnecessary disruption to surrounding communities,
* and comply with all engineering and material specifications.

2. Contractors shall not intentionally delay projects, manipulate labor schedules, inflate costs, or engage in inefficient operational practices for financial gain.

3. Contractors demonstrating repeated negligence, excessive delays without justification, fraud, or substandard workmanship may be:

* barred from future Michigan contracts,
* suspended from bidding eligibility,
* or permanently prohibited from public infrastructure work within the State.

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# SECTION 6. DOCUMENTATION AND TRANSPARENCY

1. All public roadway projects shall require full documentation including:

* itemized material costs,
* material sourcing records,
* employee labor hours,
* subcontractor records,
* machinery and equipment usage,
* inspection reports,
* and total project expenditures.

2. Contractors shall photograph and digitally document:

* pre-construction conditions,
* ongoing project progress,
* completed work,
* and all underground infrastructure stages prior to closure or paving.

3. All records shall be retained for not less than 15 years and shall be publicly accessible through a state-managed transparency portal except where prohibited by law.

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# SECTION 7. QUALITY CONTROL AND INSPECTIONS

1. Independent inspections shall occur at designated project milestones.

2. The State may conduct random audits, engineering reviews, material testing, and financial inspections without prior notice.

3. Roads failing durability or quality standards within warranty periods shall be repaired at the contractor’s expense.

4. Repeated project failures may result in:

* license suspension,
* financial penalties,
* contract termination,
* or permanent debarment from Michigan infrastructure projects.

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# SECTION 8. PENALTIES

1. Any contractor found knowingly violating this Act may be subject to:

* civil fines up to $5,000,000 per violation,
* contract cancellation,
* repayment of improperly obtained public funds,
* suspension from future state contracts,
* and additional damages determined by the State.

2. Fraudulent billing, falsified records, intentional material substitution, or deliberate concealment of defects may constitute felony offenses punishable by imprisonment of up to 15 years.

3. Corporate officers and responsible managers may be held personally liable for willful misconduct.

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# SECTION 9. CITIZEN COMPLAINT PROCESS

1. Michigan residents shall have the right to submit complaints, photographs, and documentation regarding active roadway projects.

2. MDOT shall establish a public reporting system allowing residents to:

* report safety concerns,
* report suspected fraud or delays,
* and monitor project timelines and expenditures.

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# SECTION 10. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act shall take effect 90 days following enactment into law.