MACKINAC BRIDGE; ALLOW FARM TRACTOR S.B. 1014 & 1078:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 1014 (as introduced 4-21-22)
Senate Bill 1078 (as introduced 6-9-22)
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
CONTENT
Senate Bill 1014 would amend the Mackinac Bridge Authority law to require the Authority to allow the driver of a farm tractor or implement of husbandry to pay a toll or charge and cross the bridge if the farm tractor or implement of husbandry met the conditions specified in the bill.
Senate Bill 1078 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to specify that the speed limits and the prohibition against the operation of a farm tractor or other self-propelled farm implement on a limited access freeway would not apply to an implement of husbandry operating on a limited access freeway between the ingress and egress points on the limited access freeway closest to the Mackinac Bridge for the purpose of crossing the Bridge.
Senate Bill 1014
The Mackinac Bridge Authority law requires all individuals or vehicles using the Mackinac Bridge to pay tolls and charges established by the Authority. Under the bill, the Authority would have to allow the driver of a farm tractor or implement of husbandry to pay a toll or charge and cross the bridge if the farm tractor or implement of husbandry met the following conditions:
-- The farm tractor or implement of husbandry complied with all the applicable requirements of the Michigan Vehicle Code.
-- The farm tractor or implement of husbandry was able to accelerate to and maintain the minimum speed required to cross the bridge.
The bill would define "farm tractor" as that term is defined in Section 16 of the Michigan Vehicle Code: every motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement for drawing plows, mowing machines, and other implements of husbandry. "Implement of husbandry" would mean that term as defined in Section 21 of the Michigan Vehicle Code: a vehicle or trailer in use for the exclusive function of serving agricultural, horticultural, or livestock operations, including a farm tractor, self-propelled application-type vehicle, farm wagon, farm trailer, a vehicle or trailer adapted for lifting or carrying another implement of husbandry being used in agricultural production, or any substantially similar equipment used to transport products necessary for agricultural production.
Senate Bill 1078
Among other things, the Michigan Vehicle Code prescribes maximum and minimum speed limits for certain roadways in the State. In particular, the Code prescribes a maximum speed limit of 70 miles per hour and a minimum speed limit of 55 miles per hour on all limited access freeways upon which a speed limit is not otherwise fixed. Under the bill, these speed limits would not apply to an implement of husbandry operating on a limited access freeway between the ingress and egress points on the limited access freeway closest to the Mackinac Bridge for the purpose of crossing the Bridge.
The Code also prohibits an individual from operating a motorcycle with less than a 125 cubic centimeter engine, a moped, a farm tractor, or another self-propelled farm implement on a limited access highway in the State. Under the bill, this prohibition would not apply to an implement of husbandry operating on a limited access freeway between the ingress and egress points on the limited access freeway closest to the Mackinac Bridge for the purpose of crossing the Bridge.
MCL 254.322 (S.B. 1014) Legislative Analyst: Tyler P. VanHuyse
257.627 & 257.679A (S.B. 1078)
FISCAL IMPACT
Senate Bill 1014
The bill would have a minor, positive fiscal impact on the Mackinac Bridge Authority from tolls and no fiscal impact on the State.
The bill likely would generate a small increase in toll revenue by allowing farm equipment to cross the Bridge. Currently, passenger vehicles are charged $2 per axle or $4, whichever one is higher. For all other vehicles, the toll is $5 per axle. For this analysis, it is assumed that farm equipment have two or more axles and would not be classified as passenger vehicles. This means that each tractor or farm implement that crossed could generate a minimum of $10 per crossing. It is not known to what extent the bill would increase the number of crossings, but any increase likely would be minimal. It also is not known how many of these vehicles currently are towed across the Bridge, as opposed to being allowed to cross under their own power.
Senate Bill 1078
The bill likely would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Michael Siracuse
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.