DONATE ABANDONED BICYCLES
House Bill 6116 as introduced
Sponsor: Rep. John Stakoe
Committee: Local Government and Urban Policy
Complete to 7-12-06
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 6116 AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE
Under Public Act 54 of 1959, a county sheriff who has recovered stolen property, (including money) that is unclaimed for six months must report the recovery to the county board of commissioners and request authority to dispose of it as provided in the act.
House Bill 6116 would amend the act to provide that if the property is an abandoned or stolen bicycle, the sheriff could request authority from the board to donate the bicycle to a state licensed charitable organization.
MCL 434.171
FISCAL IMPACT:
As written, the bill would have no significant impact on state or local revenues.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
According to the website of the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, the Sheriff is collecting bicycles (new, used, or in need of repair), bike accessories, tools, and parts as part of a program called Sheriff's Re-CYCLE for Kids. The office encourages residents who would like to make a donation to bring bicycles, bicycle parts, accessories, or tools to the Oakland County Sheriffs substations or to the Trusty Camp in Auburn Hills (where the inmates are described as "low level offenders who serve their time by giving back to the community").
The Sheriff's Office says that the Trusty Camp is refurbishing and repairing the bikes and making them available to children at no cost through youth organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters Metro Detroit, Boys and Girls Club of SE Oakland County, Easter Seals, Michigan, Inc., Lighthouse of Oakland County. This bill would specifically allow abandoned bicycles to be part of the program.
POSITIONS:
The Oakland County Sheriff's Department testified in support of the bill. (6-8-06)
Fiscal Analyst: Jim Stansell
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.