House and Senate on different paths on ATV legislation

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The House and Senate are stuck in a rut over all-terrain vehicle (ATV) legislation in the Game and Fish bill.

The issue concerns the treatment of vehicles that are different from traditional ATVs that have features like side-by-side seats and a steering wheel. They’re different than ATVs that the rider straddles and steers them with handle bars.

House and Senate conferees plan to meet at 9 p.m. tonight.

The House would keep the side-by-sides off of so-called class 1 trails that are limited to lighter ATVs. They would only be allowed on class 2 trails that allow heavier ATVs.

Sen. Paul Gazelka, R-Brainerd, has sponsored legislation supported by the ATV industry that would allow on class 1 trails ATVs that either have a straddled seat or are 50 inches or less wide. Polaris Industries makes a side-by-side ATV called the Razor that fits within the bill’s width limits.

“There’s a small minority but powerful minority that would like steering-wheel-type ATVs like the Razor to automatically be class 2, even if their size and weight qualify for class 1,” Gazelka said.

Rep. Denny McNamara, R-Hastings, who serves on the game and fish conference committee, said the two types of vehicles should be in different classes.

“Our definition is we should be drawing the line that if it’s side-by-side, that’s one kind of an ATV. If it’s a straddle, that’s another kind of ATV,” McNamara said.

McNamara noted that the controversy stands in the way of closing the conference committee.

“It’s a difference in the game and fish (bill) and I don’t know how we’re going to get a bill signed with that position. The conferees are pretty strong on their position on both sides,” McNamara.