REMOVE MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ACT

EXEMPTION FOR MOTOR BUSES

Senate Bill 672 as passed by the Senate

Sponsor:  Sen. Phil Pavlov

House Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Senate Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 4-9-18

SUMMARY:

Senate Bill 672 would amend the Motor Carrier Safety Act to delete a provision that exempts from the Act and the rules promulgated under it a motor bus as defined in, and for which a certificate of authority was issued under, the Motor Bus Transportation Act.

MCL 480.15

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The Motor Carrier Safety Act regulates the operation of commercial motor vehicles, including driver qualifications and physical requirements, vehicle use, inspection, and transportation, and sets penalties. The Motor Bus Transportation Act regulates persons who transport passengers by motor bus.

According to Senate committee testimony, Public Act 349 of 2016 removed federal motor carrier safety standards from the Motor Bus Transportation Act, with the intention at the time of making buses subject to those standards in the Motor Carrier Safety Act. However, this intention fell through the cracks. SB 672 is regarded as a follow-up bill to provide this technical fix.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill has no apparent fiscal impact.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   William E. 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.