A bill making its way through Alabama Legislature seeks to redefine what qualifies as an all-terrain or recreational off-highway vehicle.

Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said his initial bill, Senate Bill 1, was introduced during a special session at the request of Polaris. Current law defines all-terrain vehicles as being 50 inches or less in width and having a dry weight of 1,200 pounds or less. Recreational off-highway vehicles, meanwhile, are supposed to be 72 inches or less in width with a weight of 2,000 pounds or less.

During a special session regarding the gas tax, Senator Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, submitted a bill to expand those definitions. In a release, Polaris said the bill was necessary because it “would allow the industry to meet consumer and regulatory demand for safer vehicles with lower centers of gravity, which necessitates a wider footprint.”

“Consumer demand for additional safety, comfort, and convenience features leads to heavier vehicles,” the release continues. “… (The bill) would allow Alabama riders with exciting new products that satisfy their demands while respecting the state’s safety and environmental imperatives.”

Unfortunately for the bill’s supporters, SB1 passed the Senate but failed to pass the House before the end of the session. So Orr tried again with SB74 in the regular session that resumed March 19.

SB74 seeks the same amendments as its predecessor. ATVs would be expanded to 60 inches and 1,500 pounds, while recreational off-highway vehicles would be no more than 80 inches and no more than 2,500 pounds.

Orr said it’s not often he goes along with a request like this, but he saw the positive effects passing such a bill could have.

“By manufacturing heavier and wider vehicles, the safety of the vehicles would improve,” he said. “It’s my understanding they’ll be lower to the ground, which will also help the safety aspect. It’ll also allow the manufacturing of larger vehicles.

Orr and Polaris said consumers are requesting off-road vehicles that allow for multiple passengers. Polaris said these vehicles help consolidate family or group outings into fewer vehicles, reducing emissions and trail wear.

Based on the support that SB1 received, Orr said he expects “very little” opposition when SB74 goes up for a vote. He said the bill is out of committee and he plans to push for a Senate vote next week.

After that, it will go to the House for consideration. Orr said he spoke with House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, who “indicated that they will work to get it through” the House.

Meanwhile, Rep. Parker Moore, R-Decatur, has already sponsored a similar bill, House Bill 223. As of March 19, it had been referred to the House committee on Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure.