TRUCK PULLING LOG SLASHER & SAW H.B. 4224:
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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House Bill 4224 (as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Kate Ebli
House Committee: Transportation
Senate Committee: Transportation
Date Completed: 5-11-09
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to permit a truck tractor to tow a log slasher and a saw unit if the length of the units did not exceed certain limits.
The Code contains length limits for specified vehicles and combinations of vehicles operating on a designated highway of the State.
The bill would permit the operation of a truck tractor with a log slasher unit and a log saw unit with no overall length limit if the length of each unit did not exceed 281/2 feet, or if the overall length of the slasher unit and the saw unit, as measured from the front of the first towed unit to the rear of the second towed unit while the units were coupled together, did not exceed 58 feet. The coupling devices of the truck tractor and units would have to meet the requirements of the Motor Carrier Safety Act.
The Code prohibits a truck tractor from pulling a combination of two semi-trailers, unless each semi-trailer uses a fifth wheel connecting assembly. The bill would make an exception to this for the combination described above.
MCL 257.719 Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have a minimal fiscal impact on State and local government. The bill essentially would eliminate a prohibition against towing certain logging equipment, within a certain length limit. The bill could result in fewer citations being issued under this section, although the number would likely be small. Civil fine revenue under the Michigan Vehicle Code benefits public libraries.
Fiscal Analyst: Stephanie Yu
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. hb4224/0910