COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES                                                              S.B. 332 (S-1):

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 332 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor:  Senator Tom Casperson

Committee:  Transportation

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Motor Carrier Safety Act to make an exception for the following Federal regulations to a provision that exempts commercial motor vehicles owned and operated by a unit of government or its employees from the Act and the rules promulgated under it (which would make those vehicles subject to the listed regulations):

-- 49 CFR 383.71(h) (which governs medical certification documentation required by a state).

-- 49 CFR Part 382 (which governs controlled substances and alcohol use and testing).

-- 49 CFR Parts 391, 392, and 393 (which govern the qualifications of drivers and longer combination vehicle driver instructors, the driving of commercial motor vehicles, and the parts and accessories necessary for safe operation of motor vehicles, respectively).

However, certain provisions in 49 CFR 391 would not apply to a firefighter operating a commercial motor vehicle that was necessary to firefighting or the preservation of life or property, or the execution of an emergency governmental function of a local unit of government or government authority. (Those provisions govern physical qualifications for drivers and medical examinations.)

MCL 480.15                                                            Legislative Analyst:  Drew Krogulecki

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would prevent possible increases in costs to the State and local governments by reinstating Federal standards for most government employees driving commercial motor vehicles, while maintaining a narrower exemption from Federal medical requirements for a firefighter operating a commercial motor vehicle necessary for firefighting or the preservation of life or property, or a local government or authority in the conduct of an emergency function.

Date Completed:  5-5-17                                                    Fiscal Analyst:  Elizabeth Pratt

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.