TRANSPORTING CROSSBOWS

House Bill 4917 as reported without amendment

Sponsor:  Rep. Peter Pettalia

Committee: Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation

Complete to 10-12-11

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4917 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

Section 40111 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) prohibits the transportation or possession of a [hunting] bow in or upon a vehicle, unless the bow is unstrung, enclosed in a case, or carried in the trunk of a vehicle.  This bill would apply these same restrictions to crossbows.

[According to committee testimony, the bill intends to provide consistent treatment for crossbows as for other hunting weapons.  This is the same section of law that prohibits a person from transporting or possessing a firearm in or upon a vehicle unless it is unloaded in both barrel and magazine and enclosed in a case, carried in the trunk of a vehicle, or unloaded in a motorized boat.]

Under NREPA, the term "bow" means a device for propelling an arrow from a string drawn, held, and released by hand where the force used to hold the string in the drawn position is provided by the archer's muscles.

"Crossbow" means a weapon consisting of a bow mounted transversely on a stock or frame and designed to fire an arrow, bolt, or quarrel by the release of a bow string that is controlled by a mechanical or electric trigger and has a working safety and a draw weight of 100 pounds or greater.

MCL 324.40111

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4917 would have no significant fiscal impact on the State of Michigan or on local units of government.

POSITIONS:

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources supports the bill. (10-4-11)

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Jeff Stoutenburg

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   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.