FOREST PRODUCT TRANSPORTATION S.B. 706:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 706 (as introduced 1-14-16)
Sponsor: Senator Tom Casperson
CONTENT
The bill would amend Section 725 of the Michigan Vehicle Code, which allows jurisdictional authorities to issue special permits for noncompliant vehicles, to do the following:
-- Provide that Section 725 could not be construed to allow the imposition of fees upon, or the enactment of ordinances or regulations regarding, a vehicle or a combination of vehicles engaged in silvicultural operations if the vehicle or combination did not exceed the Code's size, weight, or load maximums and conformed to the Code.
-- Specify that this provision would not excuse a vehicle or combination of vehicles engaged in silvicultural operations from the Code's seasonal weight restrictions.
Section 725 allows a jurisdictional authority, upon receiving an application and for good cause, to issue a special permit authorizing an applicant to operate upon or remove from a highway maintained by that authority a vehicle or combination of vehicles that exceeds the size, weight, or load maximum specified in the Code, or otherwise does not conform to the Code. A special permit must specify the trip or trips and the date or dates for which it is valid. The jurisdictional authority may restrict or prescribe the conditions of operation of a vehicle or vehicles, and may charge a fee as specified in Section 725.
The bill states that nothing in Section 725 could be construed to allow a jurisdictional authority to impose fees upon or enact ordinances or regulations regarding a vehicle or combination of vehicles engaged in silvicultural operations (forestry) if the vehicle or combination of vehicles were not in excess of the size, weight, or load maximums specified under Chapter VI of the Code, and were otherwise in conformity with the chapter. The bill also specifies that this provision would not excuse a vehicle or combination of vehicles engaged in silvicultural operations from seasonal weight reductions described in Section 722.
The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.
("Jurisdictional authority" means the Michigan Department of Transportation, a county road commission, or a local authority having jurisdiction over a highway where a vehicle is proposed to be moved pursuant to a permit required under the Code.
Chapter VI of the Code prescribes size, weight, and load limits for vehicles on roadways throughout the State. The chapter also provides for speed limits, drunk driving, moving violations, traffic signals, accidents, rights-of-way, passing, turning, equipment, vehicle inspections, special stops, and other matters governing obedience to traffic laws.
Section 722 of the Code states that during the months of March, April, and May, the maximum axle and wheel load allowable on concrete pavements or pavements with a concrete base may not exceed certain values. The section makes exceptions to the seasonal restrictions for vehicles transporting agricultural commodities and, under certain circumstances, for public utility vehicles and vehicles delivering propane fuel to a home.)
MCL 257.725 Legislative Analyst: Drew Krogulecki
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Glenn Steffens
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.