This bill amends the 1965 PA 261, which governs the creation and powers of county and regional parks and recreation commissions in Michigan. It stipulates that the county board of commissioners can create a parks and recreation commission through a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority. The commission must be under the general control of the county board and consists of various members, including the chairperson of the county road commission, the county drain commissioner or their designee, and representatives from the county planning commission or regional planning commission, depending on the county's population. Notably, the bill allows for a reduction in the number of appointed members for counties with populations under 100,000 starting January 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill specifies the appointment terms for commission members, requiring staggered terms of one, two, and three years for initial appointments, with subsequent appointments lasting three years. It also clarifies that the commission is an agency of the county, with the county board having the authority to establish rules and regulations for its operation. The language of the bill includes several insertions that replace the word "shall" with "must," emphasizing the mandatory nature of certain provisions, and it also updates the terminology to ensure clarity and consistency throughout the text.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 46.351
As Passed by the House: 46.351