MEC Capitol Update
November 13, 2002

DARTA, and Lame Duck legislation

MOSES had a rally at the Capitol yesterday afternoon to urge lawmakers to pass the DARTA legislation. Unfortunately the bill did not see action. Kathleen Gray covered the event and her story appears in the Free Press.

Transit bill untouched despite its supporters; Action in Legislature still expected this year.

http://www.freep.com/news/mich/ntrans13_20021113.htm

Two other bills of concern coming up in the Lame Dusk session that may be of interest include HB 6487 and HB 6380

HB 6487 seeks to amend the State Transportation Commission Act of 1964. First the bill would seek compliance with an AG opinion noting that the awarding of contracts and the ability to hold property lie with the MDOT director. The Commission would still approve contracts in certain citations and act as an arbitrator. Importantly, the bill also seeks to dissolve the position of UPTRAN director as an appointed position by the governor!

Yesterday this bill received a surprise hearing. MEC informed the Committee of the concern with the UPTRAN position. The bill was put on hold. Transportation Committee Chair Jud Gilbert expects another hearing before the end of the year.

HB 6380 would remove local control over an ordinance that seeks to deny or curtail billboards. This bill also received a surprise hearing and did not see further action. Again, the Chair expect the legislation to move before the end of the year.