IMPLEMENT OF HUSBANDRY                                                                 S.B. 1121 (S-1):

                                                                                                      FLOOR SUMMARY

Senate Bill 1121 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor:  Senator Bruce Caswell

Committee:  Transportation

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to do the following:

-- Revise the definition of "implement of husbandry".

-- Specify that the terms "trailer" and "semi-trailer" would not include an implement of husbandry.

-- Provide that a motorcycle indorsement would not be required to operate an autocycle.

-- Eliminate a provision prohibiting the use of a moped to carry more than one person at a time.

Currently, "implement of husbandry" means a vehicle that is a farm tractor, a vehicle designed to be drawn by a farm tractor or an animal, a vehicle that harvests farm products directly, or a vehicle that applies fertilizer, spray, or seeds directly to a farm field.  The bill would delete this definition.  Instead, the term would mean a vehicle or trailer designed or used for the primary function of serving agricultural, horticultural, or livestock operations.  The term would include a farm tractor, self-propelled application-type vehicle, farm wagon, farm trailer, a vehicle or trailer adapted for lifting or carrying another implement of husbandry, or any substantially similar equipment used to transport products necessary for agricultural production.

MCL 257.21 et al.                                                          Legislative Analyst:  Julie Cassidy

FISCAL IMPACT

Vehicles classified as "implements of husbandry" are exempt from the Code's registration and certificate of title requirements.  By redefining "implement of husbandry", the bill would extend the exemption to certain adapted trailers, semi-trailers, and trailers.  Currently, most trailers are subject to a one-time, permanent registration fee ranging from $75 to $300 depending on their weight.  Under the bill, trailers that were considered an implement of husbandry would become exempt from the required registration fee.  The result would be a loss in revenue for the Michigan Transportation Fund.  The amount of lost revenue is indeterminate and would depend on the number of affected trailers. 

Since 2003, the one-time fee has been paid for most trailers currently used as an implement of husbandry.  The bill would apply only to newly purchased trailers that would be registered for the first time; thus, the potential revenue loss should not be substantial.

Date Completed:  6-13-12                                                    Fiscal Analyst:  Joe Carrasco

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.