DISCONTINUATION OF FERRY SERVICE - S.B. 18: FLOOR ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 18 (as introduced 1-8-97)

Sponsor: Senator Dan L. DeGrow

Committee: Technology and Energy

CONTENT

The bill would amend Public Act 246 of 1921, which regulates the service, rates, fares, and charges of ferryboats, to prohibit a carrier by water regulated under the Act from discontinuing a regulated service without the approval of the Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) unless one or more alternative carriers were furnishing the same service at the same location.

A carrier proposing to discontinue a regulated service would have to file a notice of the discontinuation with the PSC, publish the notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the service area, and provide other reasonable notice as required by the PSC. Within 30 days after the date of publication of the notice, a person affected by the discontinuation of service could apply to the PSC for a hearing, or the PSC could hold a hearing on its own motion, to determine whether the discontinuation of service was permitted under the Act.

Proposed MCL 460.207 - Legislative Analyst: P. Affholter

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed: 1-10-97 - Fiscal Analyst: M. Tyszkiewicz

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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.