FLINT, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Genesee District Library just released its audited budget this year and one of the line items showed that it had budgeted for $165,000 for “penal fines,” but received $246,313.

The library can thank Michigan motorists who got a speeding ticket for that money.

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That’s because Michigan is the only state in the country that has constitutionally mandated funding for libraries, and in this case, it’s penal fines. It has been in the state Constitution since 1835.

“The term ‘Penal Fine’ comes from the ‘Penal code’ which is the name of that section of Michigan laws that denote criminal laws and their punishment,” the Michigan Library Association stated.

The penal fines are distributed to each county to help pay for their libraries.

In 2024, Oakland County received $1.75 million in penal fines revenue, the most in the state.

The Michigan Library Association said penal fines are a dwindling revenue source, in part because of the legalization of recreational marijuana and the increase in speed limits on highways.

The Michigan Bar Association has noted the odd relationship with library funding and crimes.

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“Until libraries are granted a traditional funding source that does not rely on penal fines, courts and prosecutors will continue to be put in the odd position of being indirect influencers on library budgets,” the Michigan Bar Association stated. “Libraries, meanwhile, will continue to rely on funding sources that are counterintuitive to their mission.”