RESIDENTIAL SPEED LIMIT

House Bill 4118 as reported from committee

Sponsor:  Rep. Bradley Slagh

1st Committee:  Transportation

2nd Committee:  Ways and Means

Revised 6-25-19                                                                       (Enacted as Public Act 31 of 2019)

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4118 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to establish a 25-mile-per-hour speed limit on certain highway segments under certain circumstances. 

Section 627 of the Vehicle Code establishes different speed limits in various specified places or circumstances, such as in a business district or in a public park.

The bill would establish, until January 1, 2024, a speed limit of 25 miles per hour on a highway segment that is part of the local street system as designated by a local jurisdiction and approved by the State Transportation Commission and that is within land zoned for residential use by the governing body of a city or village under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, unless another speed is fixed and posted.

The bill would also require the Department of State Police (MSP) to perform a speed study on a random sample of local streets described by this provision and submit a report on the study to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate Majority Leader, and the governor by January 1, 2023.

The bill would take effect 90 days after being enacted.

MCL 257.627

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4118 would not have a significant fiscal impact on any unit of state or local government. The speed study required of MSP may result in additional costs for MSP, but the costs would likely be supported by existing appropriations for the Special Operations Division, which is the entity that would perform the study.

POSITIONS:

Representatives of the following entities testified in support of the bill (3-12-19):

·         Holland Department of Public Safety

·         North Shores Police Department

The following entities indicated support for the bill:

·         Michigan State Police (4-16-19)

·         Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (3-12-19)

·         Michigan Municipal League (4-16-19)

A representative of the National Motorists Association testified in opposition to the bill. (3-12-19)

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Marcus Coffin

■ 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.