Item 103-2801-R0599
May 20-21, 1999
ITEM 103-2801-R0599 Approval of Proposal to Delegate Administration of Motorcycle Safety Training Program; Montana State University-Northern
THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education delegates administration and conduct of Motorcycle Rider Safety Training to Montana State University-Northern and adopts minimum standards for motorcycle rider safety training courses and instructors.
EXPLANATION: Montana State University-Northern currently provides motorcycle rider safety training for both beginning and experienced riders under an interagency agreement with the Office of Public Instruction. MSU-Northern coordinates statewide training operations and expects to serve approximately 450 students at eleven training sites in 1999.
At the request of Montana's motorcyclist organizations, the 1999 Montana Legislature transferred statutory responsibility for motorcycle rider safety training from the Office of Public Instruction to the Board of Regents effective July 1, 1999. Revenue is provided entirely by motorcycle vehicle registration fees, motorcycle operator endorsement fees, and training course student fees; there is no General Fund support. All revenue is earmarked by statute for motorcycle rider safety training use only.
The statute authorizes the Board of Regents to adopt minimum standards for motorcycle rider safety training courses and instructor certification; and further to provide motorcycle rider safety training courses, to promote motorcycle safety in conjunction with the Department of Justice, to staff the Montana Motorcycle Safety Advisory Committee, to set tuition, and to supervise the state motorcycle safety account. The statute also specifically permits the Board of Regents to delegate authority to a unit of the University System to conduct motorcycle rider safety training courses and to approve instructors.
MSU-Northern currently provides motorcycle rider safety training as part of its Extended University program. Prior to entering into the interagency agreement with OPI to provide motorcycle rider safety training, addition of this non-credit program was endorsed by MSU-Northern's University Governance Council and approved for implementation by the Chancellor.
Motorcycle rider safety training is a non-credit program, and is provided as an entirely self-supporting service. Tuition for each course is based on the cost of providing the service.
Attachment A- Minimum Standards for Courses & Instructors
Attachment B- Motorcycle Safety Advisory Committee
Attachment C- Senate Bill 428