S.B. 1167 & 1168: COMMITTEE SUMMARY - HOBBY LOCOMOTIVES

Senate Bills 1167 and 1168 (as introduced 5-27-98)

Sponsor: Senator John J.H. Schwarz, M.D.

Committee: Economic Development, International Trade and Regulatory Affairs

Date Completed: 9-14-98

CONTENT

Senate Bill 1167 would amend the Carnival-Amusement Safety Act to exempt from the Act's inspection, licensing, and regulation provisions of carnival and amusement rides, a hobby locomotive operating on narrow gauge tracks less than 24 inches and powered by steam, electricity, gas, or other fuel, whether or not it was operated on the owner's property. Under the bill, "hobby" would mean an interest or activity that a person would pursue in his or her leisure time.

Senate Bill 1168 would amend the Boiler Act to exempt a miniature hobby locomotive operating on narrow gauge tracks less than 24 inches in width, whether or not it was operated on the owner's property, from the Act's regulations regarding the use, construction, installation, and repair of boilers.

The bill would require the Department of Consumer and Industry to inspect annually a miniature hobby locomotive operating in a public display or for public use. The inspection would have to be conducted by a deputy inspector or special inspector. The fee for an inspection conducted by a deputy inspector would be $15. The inspector would have to file a copy of the inspection report with the chief inspector and also provide a copy to the owner. The Department, upon demonstration that the miniature hobby locomotive complied with the applicable rules, would have to issue a certificate of inspection to the owner of the locomotive.

The bills are tie-barred to each other.

MCL 408.652 (S.B. 1167) - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata

Proposed MCL 408.757c (S.B. 1168)

FISCAL IMPACT

Senate Bill 1167

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

Senate Bill 1168

This bill would allow the boiler division to collect a $15 fee for the inspection of a miniature hobby locomotive. It is difficult to predict how much revenue would be generated by this new fee, as the number of miniature hobby locomotives operated by steam is unknown.

- Fiscal Analyst: M. TyszkiewiczS9798\S1167SA

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.