The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating sections 80110 and 80112 to enhance the process for establishing special rules regarding the use of vessels and similar watercraft on Michigan's waters. It allows the Department to initiate investigations into the need for such rules, ensuring compatibility of uses and public safety. Notably, if a request pertains to a lake without public access and is supported by a petition from 75% of property owners with riparian rights, the Department is required to grant the request, enabling local political subdivisions to adopt and enforce relevant ordinances. The bill also outlines the factors the Department must consider during its investigation, including safety issues, water body characteristics, user conflicts, and historical usage.

Additionally, the bill modifies the process by which political subdivisions can request special ordinances. It specifies that after a public hearing, the governing body of a political subdivision may adopt a resolution to inform the Department of the need for a special ordinance, which must be followed by the Department's investigation and potential proposal of a local ordinance. The amendments aim to streamline the process while ensuring that local concerns and safety considerations are adequately addressed.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.80110, 324.80112