LANSING-For State Police motor carrier Officer Bryan Martin, the situation boiled down to one emotion-frustration.

While driving recently in the Lansing area, Martin witnessed a pickup truck rear-end a car, which then slid into a ditch. He pulled over to make sure everyone was OK and to call a state trooper to the scene. 

"I'd really like to help you, but all I can do is call another officer," Martin said, adding that it took about 15 minutes for the trooper to arrive.

"In the 15 minutes I was sitting there, I could have written the accident report. What a waste of resources," he said.

Under Michigan law, motor carrier officers are responsible for policing commercial vehicles such as semi trucks and busses. They lack the authority to write tickets for other drivers-unless they have a reasonable suspicion that the driver is drunk-and to fill out accident reports.

That's something some lawmakers would like to change.

Rep. Neal Nitz has proposed granting motor carrier officers the same rights as troopers and local law enforcement officers, a change that Nitz said could lead to increased traffic safety.

"Motor carrier officers are approached by citizens who are witnesses to reckless driving, speeding, littering or other violations of the law, but the officers cannot act," the Baroda Republican said. "My bill will give these highly trained officers the same authority as law enforcement officers, which will better protect the public and help keep violators from terrorizing motorists."

Martin, who is based at the Lansing post, said that expanding the authority of motor carrier officers has been discussed for 20 years, but it could happen now because the legislation doesn't require that they receive the same pay or benefits as troopers, which would cost the state up to $3 million a year.

Cosponsors include Reps. Mike Nofs, R-Battle Creek; John Stahl, R-North Branch; and John Proos, R-St. Joseph.

At present, there are 168 motor carrier enforcement officers, and 125 of those serve as on-the-road officers. The largest number of motor carrier officers are assigned to State Police posts in Monroe, Jackson and Bridgman.

With the possible layoff of 30 troopers because of a budget deficit, the legislation is a practical way to partly offset the trooper shortage, said Derek Bajema, a legislative aide for Nitz.

Capt. Robert Powers, commanding officer of the Motor Carrier Division, said that if the bill passes, his officers would have to undergo four to six weeks of training in areas such as firearm use, traffic crash investigations, sex crimes and juvenile law to receive the same authority as troopers.

Powers estimated that training his officers could cost between $500,000 and $600,000.

"I think it's a good idea but we've got to have the money to pay for it," he said.

Commercial vehicle enforcement would remain the primary focus for his officers, but they would be available if other police officers need backup or to ticket reckless drivers, Powers said.

The bill would make motor carrier officers similar to Department of Natural Resources officers, who have the same powers as police officers but concentrate on enforcing environmental regulations, Powers said.

Rep. Richard Ball, a co-sponsor, said that with the state's budget crunch, innovative methods for providing public services are necessary.

"These people are well trained in how to deal with the public," the Bennington Township. Republican said. "I don't think you're going to see them out on a potential hostage crisis, but for some of the lesser traffic situations I think it could help."

Matt Wesaw, director of government relations for the Michigan Association of State Troopers, said that in the past his association has supported similar legislation.

But granting motor carrier officers the same power as troopers without the same pay and benefits could be a problem because it could create a two-tiered system, Wesaw said.

If motor carrier officers are given them the same authority as troopers, they should be given the same pay and benefits, he said.

The bill is pending in the House Judiciary Committee.