September 10, 2014, Introduced by Senators MEEKHOF and BOOHER and referred to the Committee on Outdoor Recreation and Tourism.
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled
"Natural resources and environmental protection act,"
by amending sections 74115 and 74116 (MCL 324.74115 and 324.74116),
section 74115 as added by 1995 PA 58 and section 74116 as amended
by 2013 PA 81.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 74115. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this part,
free entry of a motor vehicle shall not be permitted into any state
park or portion of a state park posted in accordance with this
part.
(2) The department shall establish a "Free Day in the Parks"
program under which, on at least 1 day each year, resident motor
vehicles for which a recreation passport fee has not been paid may
enter state parks.
Sec. 74116. (1) Subject to subsection (4), the operator of a
nonresident motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle shall not
enter any state park with that motor vehicle unless a valid motor
vehicle park permit issued under section 74117 is affixed to the
lower right-hand corner of the windshield. An annual motor vehicle
park permit for a nonresident motor vehicle shall be affixed
permanently for that year. The department shall post signs at parks
that state that a motor vehicle permit is required for entry by a
nonresident motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle.
(2) Subject to subsection (4), the operator of a resident
motor vehicle shall not enter a state park with the resident motor
vehicle unless the recreation passport fee has been paid for that
motor vehicle. Payment of the recreation passport fee authorizes
entry into all state parks and recreation areas and designated
state-operated public boating access sites until expiration of the
motor vehicle registration.
(3) Subject to subsection (4), if the secretary of state
issues registration tabs or stickers as described in section 805 of
the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.805, the operator
of a resident motor vehicle shall not enter a state park with the
resident motor vehicle unless the resident motor vehicle has a
registration tab or sticker marked as provided under that section
to show that the recreation passport fee has been paid.
(4) Subsections (1) to (3) do not apply under any of the
following circumstances:
(a) While the motor vehicle is being driven or parked within
an established federal, state, or county highway within a state
park.
(b) If the motor vehicle is used in the operation or
maintenance of a state park, is an emergency motor vehicle, is a
state owned or law enforcement motor vehicle, or is a private motor
vehicle being operated on official state business.
(c) If the motor vehicle is registered under section 803e(1)
of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.803e, and is
exempt under section 803e(6) of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA
300, MCL 257.803e, from the registration tax, or if the motor
vehicle is registered under section 217d or 803f of the Michigan
vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.217d and 257.803f.
(d) If and to the extent the department waives the
requirements for department-sponsored events or other circumstances
as determined by the director or the director's designee.
(5) If an individual pays the recreation passport fee or is
exempt under subsection (4)(c) from the payment of the fee, the
department shall provide the individual with a promotional decal
indicating that the individual is a supporter of Michigan parks.
The department shall determine the design of the decal. A
distinctive design shall be used for each year.
Enacting section 1. This amendatory act takes effect May 1,
2015.