AIRBOATS AT NIGHT

Senate Bill 1278

Sponsor:  Sen. Patricia L. Birkholz

Senate Committee:  Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

House Committee:  Great Lakes and Tourism

Complete to 11-24-04

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 1278 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE

The bill would amend Part 801 (Marine Safety) of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to prohibit the operation of an airboat within 450 feet of a residence between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. at a speed exceeding the minimum required to maintain forward movement.

The prohibition would not apply to the operation of an airboat: 1) in an emergency when necessary to protect public safety; 2) when the airboat had run aground and needed to be freed; or 3) when used for a governmental purpose, if the airboat is clearly marked and identified as being used for a governmental purpose.

These provisions would be repealed May 1, 2007.

The bill would define "airboat" as a motorboat that is propelled, wholly or in part, by a propeller projecting above the water surface.

MCL 324.80101 and 80108a

FISCAL IMPACT:

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

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch 

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.