ELECTRIC PATROL VEHICLE                                                                    S.B. 589 (S-2):

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                                  ON THIRD READING

Senate Bill 589 (Substitute S-2 as reported by the Committee of the Whole)

Sponsor:  Senator Peter MacGregor

Committee:  Transportation

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Electric Patrol Vehicle Act to allow a political subdivision to operate an electric patrol vehicle on a sidewalk within that political subdivision's boundaries, and remove the requirement that such a vehicle have at least four wheels.

The Act allows a political subdivision, by ordinance, to authorize its law enforcement, emergency service, and parking enforcement employees to operate an electric patrol vehicle on a street or highway within that political subdivision's boundaries. ("Political subdivision" means a city, village, township, county, or university.)

An electric patrol vehicle must be limited as follows:

-- To a street or highway with a posted speed limit of not more than 25 miles per hour.

-- To crossing a street or highway with a posted speed limit of not more than 50 miles per hour.

The bill also would allow an electric patrol vehicle to be operated on a sidewalk within that political subdivision's boundaries.

Currently, "electric patrol vehicle" means an electrically powered motor vehicle designed to carry up to four people, at a speed of not more than 25 miles per hour, having not less than four wheels, and having an unloaded weight of not more than 1,300 pounds. The bill would remove the requirement for at least four wheels.

The Act requires an electric patrol vehicle to have certain equipment. The bill specifies that an electric patrol vehicle with three wheels or less would have to have brakes, headlamps, a rear lamp, a horn, a parking brake, and reflectors.

MCL 257.1572 et al.                                                 Legislative Analyst:  Drew Krogulecki

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would potentially reduce costs for some universities and local governments by increasing options for the types of vehicles that may be operated under the Electric Patrol Vehicle Act.

Date Completed:  1-17-18                                                  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.