MICHIGAN VEHICLE CODE – SHOULDER HARNESS REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR MAINTENANCE WORKERS IN WORK ZONE

Senate Bill 1089

(Reported from House Committee without amendment)

Sponsor:  Sen. Tom Casperson

Senate Committee:  Transportation

House Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Complete to 11-30-16

                                                                                                (Enacted as Public Act 460 of 2016)

BRIEF SUMMARY:

Section 710e of the Michigan Vehicle Code (PA 300 of 1949) establishes a general requirement that each operator and front seat passenger of a motor vehicle operated on a street or highway wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt.  The section also establishes specific exemptions from this general requirement. Senate Bill 1089 would add the following additional exemption:  

·         an operator of a motor vehicle would be required to wear a lap belt, but not a shoulder harness, when operating a motor vehicle for the purpose of performing road construction or maintenance in a work zone.

In House Committee testimony, the bill sponsor indicated that a shoulder harness can impede free movement and limit visibility for workers performing pavement marking operations.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill does not appear to have a material fiscal impact on the state and local units of government.

                                                                                                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.