The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to enhance the management and funding of state parks and recreation areas in Michigan. Key changes include the introduction of the "Michigan state park recreation passport fee" and an increase in the allocation of revenue from this fee to the state park improvement account, raising it from 50% to 75%. The bill also establishes new funding streams for the operations, maintenance, and capital improvements of cultural and historic resources within state parks, as well as grants for local governments to develop water trails. Additionally, it modifies entry requirements for state parks, allowing valid Michigan vehicle registrations to grant access without a separate passport fee, and sets new fee structures for nonresident motor vehicle permits with scheduled increases starting in 2025.

Moreover, the bill revises regulations concerning park permits and fees for state-operated public boating access sites. It allows designated individuals to issue park permits, excluding certain state employees, and mandates free replacements for lost or destroyed nonresident motor vehicle park permits upon proof of loss. The bill also introduces a mechanism for adjusting permit costs based on the consumer price index starting in the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026, with the state treasurer responsible for these adjustments. It outlines the Department of Natural Resources' responsibilities, including the authority to charge fees for moorage at state facilities and collect proceeds from marine fuel sales, while establishing rules for entry into public boating access sites and penalties for violations. The bill is set to take effect on October 2, 2025, contingent upon the enactment of related legislation.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 324.2001