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SB 281

Recreation: state parks; recreation passport and nonresident motor vehicle park passes; modify. Amends secs. 2001, 2045, 74101, 74116, 74117, 74120, 78101, 78105 & 78119 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.2001 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: SB 280'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jon Bumstead and 1 co-sponsor

Michigan bill modifies state park recreation passport and nonresident motor vehicle pass fees and access policies to adjust visitor access and park revenue structures.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
#recreation:stateparks #vehicles:registration
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Bill Summary · SB 281

Legislative bill overview

SB 281 modifies Michigan's state parks recreation passport and nonresident motor vehicle pass system by amending multiple sections of the 1994 Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The bill adjusts fees, eligibility requirements, or access provisions for visitors to Michigan's state parks, with specific changes tied to companion legislation SB 280.

Why is this important

State park pass policies directly affect both recreational access for residents and nonresidents and revenue generation for park maintenance and operations. Changes to pricing or eligibility can impact tourism, park funding, and equity of access to public natural resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Fee structure changes – Any increase in pass prices may face opposition from frequent park visitors and lower-income residents, while any decrease could raise concerns about funding for park maintenance
  • Nonresident vs. resident treatment – Modifications to nonresident pricing could affect tourism and interstate travel, or conversely, may be viewed as protecting in-state residents' benefits
  • Tie-bar dependency – The bill's effectiveness depends on companion legislation (SB 280), creating uncertainty about the actual scope of changes without seeing both bills together

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

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