1329: COMMITTEE SUMMARY (9-20-04) - SNOWMOBILES: LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY

SNOWMOBILES: LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY S.B. 1329: COMMITTEE SUMMARY

Senate Bill 1329 (as introduced 6-30-04)
Sponsor: Senator Jason E. Allen
Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

Date Completed: 9-20-04

CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 821 (Snowmobiles) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow the operation of a snowmobile on the right-of-way of a limited access highway if 1) the right-of-way were a snowmobile trail designated by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in its comprehensive plan for a statewide recreational and snowmobile trails system; and 2) the right-of-way were approved by both the DNR and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Currently, snowmobiles may be operated on the right-of-way of a public highway that is not a limited access highway.

Under the Act, upon the request of a county road commission that has designated all county roads outside the limits of a city or village for snowmobile use, MDOT must erect signs at the county line on all State trunk line highways and county roads. The signs must indicate that snowmobiles are permitted on the right-of-way or shoulder of all county roads, and cite Public Act 74 of 1968 (which governed snowmobile operation until Part 821 was enacted). Under the bill, the signs would have to cite MCL 324.82119 (the section that the bill would amend), instead of the 1968 law. A sign erected before the bill's effective date, however, could cite Public Act 74 of 1968.

MCL 324.82119 Legislative Analyst: Suzanne Lowe

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

Fiscal Analyst: Jessica Runnels Craig Thiel

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. sb1329/0304