MAINTAIN LIMITS ON AIRBOATS AT NIGHT
Senate Bill 336
Sponsor: Sen. Patricia L. Birkholz
House Committee: Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, and Natural Resources
Senate Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Complete to 4-20-07
A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 336 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 3-15-07
The bill would maintain existing restrictions on the nighttime operation of airboats on Michigan waters found in Part 801 (Marine Safety) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Act that would otherwise be repealed on May 1, 2007 under a sunset provision contained in Public Act 547 of 2004.
Section 80108a prohibits a person from operating an airboat within 450 feet of a residence between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. at a speed exceeding that required to maintain forward movement. Exceptions exist (1) for use in an emergency to protect public safety; (2) to free an airboat that has run aground; and (3) for governmental purposes (if the airboat is so marked and identified).
An airboat (also known as a fan boat or swamp boat) is a flat-bottomed boat designed for use in shallow water, propelled by a rear-mounted caged airplane propeller and an airplane or automotive engine. They are capable of relatively high speeds in swamps and shallow waters. Airboats are used in search and rescue operations; by tour operators; and by trappers, anglers, and other recreational users.
There would be no fiscal impact on the state or on local governmental units.
Legislative Analyst: Shannan Kane
Fiscal Analyst: Kirk Lindquist
■ 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.