ALLOW LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO AUTHORIZE
GOLF CARTS ON STATE TRUNK LINE HIGHWAYS
House Bill 4945 (Proposed Substitute H-1)
Sponsor: Rep. Aaron Miller
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Complete to 10-23-17
SUMMARY:
House Bill 4945 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to specify certain conditions that would allow a person to operate a golf cart on a state trunk line highway. A detailed explanation of the bill follows.
Local Government Request
The bill would allow a local government to request that the Department of Transportation (MDOT) authorize it to adopt an ordinance allowing golf cart operation on state trunk line highways other than interstate highways located within the local unit. The request would have to demonstrate how it would meet specific requirements outlined under MDOT Authorization below.
MDOT would be required to solicit comments on the request from local governments where the state trunk line highway is located and consider comments on the request before making a decision. MDOT would have to grant or deny the request within 60 days after receiving the request. If the request were granted, the local government could adopt an ordinance authorizing the operation of golf carts on state trunk lines subject to the request. In addition, a county could also submit a request for authorization on behalf of one or more local units located in that county.
MDOT Authorization
MDOT would be required to authorize operation of a golf cart on a state trunk line highway that is not an interstate if the local government has adopted an ordinance, and the highway meets one or more of the following:
· Serves as a connector between portions of the local government that only connect through the state trunk line.
· Provides access to tourist attractions, food service, fuel, motels, or other services.
· Serves as a connecter between two segments of the same county road running along discontinuous town lines.
· Includes a bridge or culvert allowing it to cross a river, stream, wetland, or gully not crossed by a street or county road golf carts are authorized to operate under an adopted ordinance.
MDOT could close a state trunk line highway to golf carts after written notice to the clerk of each local unit where the trunk line is located, the senate and house committees for natural resources and transportation. The notice must be in writing and sent by first class United States mail or personally delivered no less than 30 days before adoption of the rule closing the state trunk line highway and must include specific reasons for the closure.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill could create administrative costs in requiring MDOT to consider the authorization of local government requests regarding the use of golf carts on state trunk line highways.
The bill would have no fiscal impact on local governments.
Fiscal Analyst: William Hamilton
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.