Directs the department of transportation to convene a task force to examine, update, and organize statutes regulating to motorized transporter devices with engines under 250 cubic centimeters.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the laws applicable to motorized people transporter devices with engines smaller than a motor vehicle or motorcycle are the result of numerous amendments enacted over the years to include specific types of motorized devices as they entered the market. For example, laws defining and regulating mopeds were enacted in 1978. The regulation of motorized person transporter platforms, motorized bicycles, and electronic personal assistive mobility devices followed in 2003.

Since 2003, other motorized transporter and assistive devices have gained popularity, including three- and four-wheel power chair scooters. Undoubtedly, more motorized transporter devices will enter the market as time goes by. If done piecemeal, as in the past, the regulation of these new devices will call for continued additional amendment to existing law. The legislature believes that focusing on people transporter devices with engines having less than two hundred fifty cubic centimeters, rather than specific devices, will avoid the need to amend the law as new motorized devices come on the market.

The purpose of this Act is to promote public safety by establishing a task force to update, clarify, amend, and organize laws applicable to motorized people transporter devices.

SECTION 2. The department of transportation shall convene a task force to examine, update, clarify, amend, and organize statutes regulating or applying to motorized people transporter devices. In so doing, the task force shall take a comprehensive approach, rather than a device-specific approach, by focusing on motorized people transporter devices with engines having less than two hundred fifty cubic centimeters.

SECTION 3. The task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including recommended legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2006.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.