COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION:
AUTHORIZED AGENTS AS POLICE OFFICERS
House Bill 5487
Sponsor: Rep. Philip Potvin
Committee: Transportation
Complete to 3-20-12
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5487 AS INTRODUCED 3-15-12
The Michigan Vehicle Code allows duly authorized agents of county road commissions to be classified as police officers for certain enforcement purposes under the Code.
Under House Bill 5487:
** An authorized agent of a county road commission is not required to be certified as a police officer under the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Act (COLES) to enforce Vehicle Code provisions. However, such an agent cannot carry a firearm unless "certified" as a police officer under the COLES Act. (The Code currently does not permit these agents to carry firearms unless the requirements of the COLES Act are met.)
** An agent of the road commission would be granted access to the Law Enforcement Information Network for purposes of authorized enforcement of the Vehicle Code.
The sections of the Vehicle Code that these county road commission agents can enforce involve enforcement activities related to the proper registration of commercial vehicles; and the height, weight, and width of vehicles and loads; and the safety of loads, among other things. (These provisions are understood to apply to authorized agents known as "weighmasters.")
FISCAL IMPACT:
A fiscal analysis is in process.
■ 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.