SPEED LIMIT; LOCAL STREET SYSTEM S.B. 61:
REVISED SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 61 (as introduced 1-24-19)
Sponsor: Senator Roger Victory
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to do the following:
-- Until January 1, 2024, establish a speed limit of 25 miles per hour on a highway segment that was part of a local street system and was within land zoned for residential use.
-- Require the Department of State Police (MSP) to perform a speed study on a random sample of local streets set as described in the bill.
-- Require the MSP to submit a report on the speed study to the Senate Majority Leader, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Governor by January 1, 2023.
Under Section 627 of the Code, a person operating a vehicle on a highway must operate it at a careful and prudent speed not greater or less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface, and width of the highway, as well as any other condition existing at the time. A person may not operate a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than that which will permit a stop within the assured, clear distance ahead. Section 627 also prescribes speed limits for the operation of a vehicle on certain highways, and specifies that a person who violates a speed limit is responsible for a civil infraction.
Under the bill, until January 1, 2024, an operator of a vehicle could operate it at a speed not exceeding 25 miles per hour on a highway segment that was part of the local street system as designated by a local jurisdiction and approved by the State Transportation Commission under the Michigan Transportation Fund law and that was within land zoned for residential use by the governing body of an incorporated city or village under the Michigan Zoning and Enabling Act, unless another speed was fixed and posted.
The MSP would have to perform a speed study on a random sample of local streets set as described above. By January 1, 2023, the MSP would have to submit a report on the speed study to the Senate Majority Leader, the Speaker of the House, and the Governor.
The Code specifies that except for certain listed speed limits, those established under Section 627 are not valid unless properly posted. The bill would include the proposed speed limit within the list described above.
MCL 257.627 Legislative Analyst: Tyler VanHuyse
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have a minimal fiscal impact on the Department of State Police, as it would require the Department to assume responsibilities that are currently performed and funded by existing resources.
Fiscal Analyst: Bruce Baker
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.