BASIC DRIVER IMPROVEMENT COURSE S.B. 837 (S-1):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 837 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Senator Tom Casperson
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to do the following:
-- Provide that a person would be ineligible to take a basic driver improvement course if he or she successfully completed a course within the previous three years.
-- Require an approved sponsor of a basic driver improvement course to maintain certain records for each customer for two years, and make those records available for inspection.
-- Require an approved sponsor to register with the Corporations Division of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
-- Delete requirements that an approved sponsor conduct a study determining the effectiveness of its course.
Currently, an individual is ineligible to take a basic driver improvement course if he or she previously successfully completed the course.
MCL 257.320d Legislative Analyst: Drew Krogulecki
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill could have a minimal, yet positive fiscal impact on the Department of State. Currently, an individual may take a basic driver improvement course (BDIC) only once (unless he or she did not successfully complete a previous course). The bill would allow a person to enroll in another BDIC as long as he or she had not successfully completed a basic driver improvement court within the immediately preceding three years.
Basic driver improvement courses are offered by third-party approved sponsors, which may charge up to $100 to an individual who enrolls in a course. The approved sponsor is required to remit a portion of that fee on an annual basis to the Secretary of State to cover administrative costs. The current reimbursement rate paid to the Secretary of State is $17 per participant. According to Department of State data, just under 67,000 individuals took a BDIC in 2017, which generated revenue of an estimated $1.1 million for the Department. The bill could result in additional revenue for the Department from BDIC fees paid due to individuals being allowed to take a course again provided at least three years had passed since successful completion of a previous course. However, the amount of additional revenue is indeterminate and dependent on the number of individuals who could repeat a course in the future. At the current time, the Department would receive an additional $17 per individual who enrolled in a BDIC.
Date Completed: 4-13-18 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.