State Rep. Joseph Pavlov last week voted in support of legislation giving more Michigan communities the option to allow golf carts on local roads if local leaders determine it makes sense for their area.

House Bill 4644 would increase the population threshold for cities, villages, and townships that may authorize golf cart use on local streets from 30,000 to 65,000 residents. The legislation does not require any community to allow golf carts. Instead, it gives local governments the authority to make that decision based on their own roads, public safety considerations, and community needs.

“This is a local control issue, plain and simple,” said Pavlov, of Smiths Creek. “A golf cart can be a practical, low-speed way for people to get from point A to point B in many communities. Local officials understand their roads and safety needs better than bureaucrats in Lansing, and they should have the flexibility to make these decisions for their residents.”

House Bill 4644 was approved by the House and now advances to the Senate for consideration.