AUCTIONED STATE POLICE VEHICLES

House Bill 4494

Sponsor:  Rep. Richard LeBlanc

Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 5-6-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4494 AS INTRODUCED 3-3-09

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.255) so that a vehicle that once belonged to the State Police could not be issued a registration plate until (1) it had been repainted to remove its distinctive color and markings, and (2) the front push bar, State Police insignia, distinctive red or blue lights, and other specialized distinctive equipment had been removed.

However, a temporary registration plate could be issued for up to 15 days to allow a person to make the changes to the vehicle before getting a standard registration plate.

The bill also requires a person who sells a State Police vehicle at auction to inform potential buyers of the special requirements to get a registration plate for the vehicle.  A buyer could rescind the sale within 90 days if he or she did not receive the required notice before entering into the sales agreement.

The bill would make operating a former State Police vehicle in violation of registration provisions a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days and/or a fine of not more than $500.

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4494 would appear to have no fiscal impact on the State of Michigan or the Department of State.

To the extent that the bill increased the number of misdemeanor sentences, local costs of misdemeanor probation supervision or jail incarceration, both of which vary with jurisdiction, could increase.  Any increase in penal fine revenues could benefit local libraries, which are the constitutionally-designated recipients of those revenues.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Marilyn Peterson

                                                                                                                           Viola Bay Wild

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.