MICHIGAN GOVERNOR VETOES BILL TO ALLOW FOR HISTORIC MILITARY VEHICLE TITLING

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer vetoed SAN-supported legislation (H.B. 4866) that would have allowed for the titling and registration of historic military surplus vehicles. The bill defined military surplus vehicles which are over 25 years old as historic vehicles.

In announcing her intent to veto the legislation, Governor Whitmer explained that while the bill provides an additional safeguard by requiring a safety inspection for these vehicles, it does not provide for any implementation of this requirement.

“The governor falsely claimed safety concerns even though those safety measures were addressed in an amendment to the bill that brought in support of the Secretary of State. House Bill 4866 received strong bipartisan support with the Senate voting unanimously in favor and our Democratic Secretary of State supporting the bill,” said Representative Steven Johnson “The governor’s claims of safety concerns have no basis in reality. Either she didn’t read the bill or she is lying.”

The bill had previously passed the House by a 95-12 vote and the Senate by a 38-0 vote. Rep. Johnson intends to continue to work with his colleagues in the Legislature and the governor’s office to find a solution agreeable to all parties. “I’m a firm believer that there is no reason why these historic military vehicles shouldn’t be allowed to obtain a ‘Historic Vehicle’ tag and be considered a roadworthy vehicle,” stated Johnson. “If these vehicles are able to pass a safety inspection as outlined in my bill, why shouldn’t they be allowed on the roads?”