The bill amends the Ski Area Safety Act of 1962 by updating sections 6 and 16 to enhance safety regulations and fee structures for ski areas and ski lifts in Michigan. It mandates that the board must create reasonable rules for the safe construction, operation, and maintenance of ski areas based on accepted engineering standards. The bill also shifts the responsibility for establishing the fee schedule for permits and inspections from the board to the department, which must now provide an annual fee schedule to relevant state officials.

Additionally, the bill introduces a tiered fee structure for annual permits and inspections, with specific amounts set for different types of ski lifts and equipment, which will increase over the next few years. It allows operators to employ approved inspectors for safety checks and requires that inspection reports be submitted on approved forms. The bill also stipulates that inspection fees will be waived if an annual permit application includes a valid inspection report. Overall, these changes aim to improve safety standards and streamline the regulatory process for ski areas in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 408.326, 408.336