ALLOW PEOPLE UNABLE TO ROW OR PADDLE

TO USE MOTORIZED VESSELS ON WATERWAYS

House Bill 5607

Sponsor:  Rep. Brian Calley

Committee:  Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, and Natural Resources

Complete to 1-25-08

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5607 AS INTRODUCED 1-16-08

The bill would add a new Section 80114a to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow disabled people unable to row or paddle to use motorized vessels on portions of "waterways of the state" where the use of motors is otherwise prohibited by a marine law.  Such persons would remain subject to all other applicable marine laws.  Under existing Section 20301(e), "waterways of the state" means "all groundwaters, lakes, rivers, streams, and other watercourses including the Great Lakes and their connecting waterways within the jurisdiction of the state."

Requirements.  A person would have to meet all of the following requirements:

·                                            The individual has a disability that prevents him or her from rowing or paddling a vessel. 

·                                            The individual has in his or her possession a marine exemption certificate.

·                                            The individual is operating a vessel using an electric motor at slow-no wake speed.

Issuance of marine exemption certificates.  Sheriff departments would issue marine exemption certificates to individuals who present a physician's attestation that the physician has examined the individual and found that the person has a disability that prevents rowing or paddling.  There is no mention of a fee for obtaining a certificate.  The Department of Natural Resources would have to develop and make available a physician's attestation form and a marine exemption certificate. 

MCL 324.80114a

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or local governmental units. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kirk Lindquist

■ 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.