TOWNSHIP POLICE AUTHORITIES

House Bill 5843

Sponsor:  Rep. Philip LaJoy

Committee:  Local Government and Urban Policy

Complete to 5-10-04

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5843 AS INTRODUCED 4-29-04

House Bill 5843 would amend Public Act 33 of 1951, which provides police and fire protection for townships, certain incorporated villages, and cities under 15,000 population, to specify that a township board may enter into one or more agreements or contracts to furnish police or fire protection to a city, village, or other township.

Currently under the law, the township board of a township, or the township boards of adjoining townships acting jointly—if funds have been appropriated—may do any of the following:  establish and maintain police and fire department; organize and maintain police and fire vehicles; employ and appoint a police chief and fire chief and other police and fire officers, including detectives; make and establish rules and regulations for the government of the police and fire departments, employees, officers, and detectives; care for and manage the motor vehicles, apparatus, equipment, property, and buildings pertaining to the police and fire departments; and, prescribe the powers and duties of the employees, officers, and detectives. 

Also under the act, if a township board, or the boards of adjoining townships acting jointly, have organized and are maintaining a police or fire department, they may also contract with townships, villages, or cities that also maintain a police or fire department. 

MCL 41.806

FISCAL IMPACT:

As written, the bill should have no impact on state revenues.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   J. Stansell

■ 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.