House Bill 4017 (as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative James McNutt
House Committee: Transportation
Senate Committee: Transportation and Tourism
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to revise the definition of "authorized
emergency vehicle" to delete reference to the Department of State Police in the authorization of
emergency vehicles, and provide, instead, for authorization by the chief of a fire department or,
in certain cases, a life support agency.
Under the bill, "authorized emergency vehicle" would mean vehicles of the fire department,
police vehicles, ambulances, or privately owned motor vehicles of volunteer or paid firefighters if
authorized by the chief of an organized fire department, or privately owned motor vehicles of
volunteer or paid members of a life support agency licensed by the Department of Consumer
and Industry Services if authorized by the life support agency. Currently, "authorized emergency
vehicle" means vehicles of the fire department, police vehicles, ambulances or privately owned
motor vehicles of volunteer or paid firemen or privately owned motor vehicles of volunteer
ambulance drivers or licensed ambulance drivers or attendants as authorized by the State
Police.
In addition, for purposes currently allowed during an emergency, the bill would include in
the definition a vehicle that was owned and operated by a Federally recognized nonprofit
charitable organization and used exclusively for assistance during that emergency. Under the
Code, such a vehicle (as well as a privately owned emergency vehicle) may be equipped with
flashing, rotating, or oscillating red lights for use when responding to an emergency call.
MCL 257.2 & 257.698 - Legislative Analyst: L. Arasim
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
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.