The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating sections related to entry requirements for state parks and state-operated public boating access sites. It establishes that operators of nonresident and commercial motor vehicles must display a valid motor vehicle park permit in the lower right-hand corner of the windshield to enter state parks. For resident motor vehicles, entry is contingent upon the payment of a recreation passport fee, which allows access to all state parks and recreation areas until the vehicle registration expires. The bill also outlines specific exemptions from these requirements, including vehicles used for state park operations, emergency vehicles, and those displaying municipal registration plates.

Additionally, the bill modifies the entry requirements for state-operated public boating access sites, mirroring the provisions for state parks. It mandates that a valid pass must be affixed to the windshield of nonresident and commercial vehicles, while resident vehicles must also have paid the recreation passport fee. The bill clarifies the circumstances under which these requirements do not apply, including designated free fishing days and department-sponsored events. Violations of these entry requirements can result in a civil infraction with fines up to $100. The bill also establishes that the registration plate on a vehicle parked at a public boating access site serves as prima facie evidence of the owner's responsibility for the vehicle's location.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 324.74116, 324.78119