SEPTAGE HAULERS: WEIGHT LIMITS S.B. 448:
FLOOR SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 448 (as reported by the Committee of the Whole)
Sponsor: Senator Michelle A. McManus
Committee: Transportation
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to permit a county road commission to grant exemptions from seasonal weight restrictions for septage haulers.
The Code prescribes maximum axle loads and gross vehicle weights for various configurations of vehicles. During the months of March, April, and May, the maximum axle load allowable must be reduced by 25% from the specified maximum load on concrete pavements or pavements with a concrete base, and by 35% on all other types of roads. Additionally, the maximum wheel load may not exceed specified pounds per inch of tire width while the seasonal road restrictions are in effect.
The bill would permit a county road commission to grant exemptions from seasonal weight restrictions for septage haulers on a case-by-case basis when requested by electronic, telephonic, or any other means. Except as provided below, the county road commission would have to grant or deny a request for exemption within one day.
If, in requesting an exemption, the septage hauler indicated that the exemption was requested in order to respond to an emergency, the county road commission would have to respond to the emergency request within one business day by electronic, telephonic, or any other means.
A denial of a request for an exemption would have to be accompanied by a statement of the reason the request was denied and alternate routes for which the permit could be issued. A septage hauler whose request for exemption was denied could appeal to the county road commission.
MCL 257.722 Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 10-15-09 Fiscal Analyst: David Zin
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. sb448/0910