COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION:
AUTHORIZED AGENTS AS POLICE OFFICERS
House Bill 5487 as reported from committee
Sponsor: Rep. Philip Potvin
Committee: Transportation
Complete to 5-18-12 (Enacted as Public Act 529 of 2012)
SUMMARY:
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:
** For the purposes of enforcing sections 215, 255, and 631(1) of the Code other than for speed by non-commercial vehicle operators, 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.)
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.")
MCL 257.42 and 257.726c
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would have no fiscal impact on state or local government.
POSITIONS:
County Road Association of Michigan supports the bill. (3-21-12)
Mecosta County Road Commission supports the bill. (3-21-12)
Fiscal Analyst: William E. Hamilton
■ 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.