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Michigan to follow in path of Minnesota, other states?

Time is running out for Michigan lawmakers to get bills forwarded to the governor before the regular session wraps up. One bill that could beat the clock would require local motor carrier enforcement officers to be trained policeman.

The full Senate could soon take up for consideration a bill that would allow the Michigan State Police to appoint officers with limited arrest powers for motor carrier enforcement. Sponsored by Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores, the bill would give officers all the powers of peace officers to enforce Michigan law affecting commercial vehicles.

Motor carrier officers could also be authorized to carry firearms.

In addition, officers would have limited arrest powers for motor carrier enforcement and enforcing the state’s vehicle code. Misdemeanor possession of marijuana would also be added to the list of violations for which a motor carrier officer could make a warrantless arrest.

There is concern about the path Michigan and other states are pursuing with truck enforcement officers, says OOIDA Director of Regulatory Affairs Joe Rajkovacz. He cites the Association’s court action against the Minnesota State Patrol.

“Minnesota was hiring commercial vehicle inspectors that were clearly inadequately trained in law enforcement powers and had to be further trained,” Rajkovacz said.

According to a bill analysis, the Michigan State Police employs 174 motor carrier officers. These officers would need about one to two weeks of training to get up to speed with the expanded authority.

The analysis also notes that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Board has notified the state police about their concern about directing motor carrier officers to do anything other than enforce motor carrier laws and regulations. Such moves could jeopardize federal funding for the state.

However, the state police report that other states have successfully expanded the scope of responsibility of their federally funded motor carrier officers after first consulting with federal authorities, without putting any of their federal funding at risk.

If approved by the Michigan Senate, the bill – SB1434 – would advance to the House for further consideration.

Michigan lawmakers have until the end of the year to discuss all legislation. Any bills not approved by then would need to be reintroduced during the 2011 regular session.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Michigan, click here .

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to [email protected] .