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SB 572

Recreation: outdoor activities; ski area permit fees; increase. Amends secs. 6 & 16 of 1962 PA 199 (MCL 408.326 & 408.336).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Anthony

SB 572 raises ski area permit fees in Michigan to increase state recreation licensing revenue, potentially increasing consumer costs for winter recreation access.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
#recreation:outdooractivities #stateagencies(existing):licensingandregulatoryaffairs
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Bill Summary · SB 572

Legislative bill overview

SB 572 modifies Michigan's 1962 recreation statute to increase permit fees charged to ski area operators. The bill amends sections 6 and 16 of PA 199, which govern outdoor recreation licensing and permitting structures for ski facilities operating on state or private land.

Why is this important

Ski area permit fees fund state management of outdoor recreation infrastructure and environmental oversight. Fee increases directly affect operating costs for ski resorts, which may be passed to consumers through higher lift ticket prices or day-use fees, while potentially generating additional state revenue for recreation management and conservation.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry cost burden: Ski operators may argue that increased fees reduce competitiveness, particularly for smaller or struggling resorts, or that fees should reflect actual state administrative costs rather than serve as general revenue
  • Consumer impact: Fee increases passed through to visitors could price out lower-income families from winter recreation, raising equity concerns about public access to outdoor activities
  • Revenue transparency: Unclear from the bill summary whether new revenues support specific recreation programs or enter general appropriations, and whether the increase amount is justified by operational needs versus budget gaps elsewhere

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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