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SB 1006

Recreation: state parks; recreation passport requirement; exempt Gold Star family members in NREPA. Amends secs. 74116 & 78119 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.74116 & 324.78119).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Webber and 1 co-sponsor

SB 1006 requires recreation passport/permits for Michigan state parks and boating sites, with specific resident, nonresident, and exemption rules and up to $100 civil penalties for

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Bill Summary · SB 1006

Summary of SB 1006 (2025-2026) – Michigan

Purpose and intent

  • SB 1006 proposes amendments to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451) to modify recreation access requirements for state parks and state-operated public boating access sites.
  • The bill adds or clarifies the use of recreation passports/permits for both resident and nonresident motor vehicles and creates exemptions in certain situations.
  • It also expands the exemption framework to align with existing driving and vehicle registration provisions, and it references a related House bill for enactment timing.

Key provisions and changes

1) State parks entry requirements (Sec. 74116)
- Nonresident motor vehicles or commercial motor vehicles: must display a valid motor vehicle park permit affixed to the lower right corner of the windshield. The permit for nonresidents must be affixed permanently for the year.
- Residents: must have paid the recreation passport fee for entry into all state parks and recreation areas and designated public boating access sites, valid until the motor vehicle registration expires.
- If registration tabs/stickers are issued per Michigan vehicle code section 805, residents must have a tab/sticker showing the recreation passport fee has been paid.
- Exemptions (subsections 4a–4e):
- Driving within established highways inside a state park.
- Use of vehicles for park operation/maintenance, emergencies, state-owned or law enforcement vehicles, or official state business.
- Vehicles registered under specific Michigan vehicle code exemptions (e.g., tax-exempt registrations).
- State-operated public boating access sites or state parks on days designated as free winter fishing days or free fishing days.
- Waivers as determined by the department/director.

2) State-operated public boating access sites entry requirements (Sec. 78119)
- Nonresident or commercial motor vehicles: cannot enter without a valid pass affixed to the windshield; seasonal passes must be permanently affixed for the season.
- Resident motor vehicles: must pay the recreation passport fee to access designated boating sites and all state parks/recreation areas until registration expiration.
- If registration tabs/stickers are issued, residents must display proof of the paid recreation passport.
- Exemptions (subsections 4a–4d): parallel to park exemptions, covering operation/maintenance, emergencies, state-owned or law enforcement vehicles, official state business, certain tax-exempt registrations, free fishing days, and departmental waivers.
- Civil penalties: a violation is a non-criminal state civil infraction with a fine of up to $100. The bill prohibits double-citation for both subsections (2) and (3) in the same incident.
- Prima facie evidence: if a vehicle is parked at a designated boating access site, the license plate evidence may establish ownership of the vehicle for the violation.

Who is affected

  • Vehicle owners and operators visiting Michigan state parks and state-operated public boating access sites.
  • Nonresidents and commercial vehicle operators (new or clarified requirement to have a nonresident park permit).
  • Residents (general Michigan motorists) who must ensure the recreation passport fee is paid to gain park access, with penalties for noncompliance.
  • Law enforcement and park staff, who administer and enforce the permit requirements and waivers.
  • Individuals using exemptions (e.g., state employees on official business, emergency responders, vehicles with qualifying registrations, and days designated for free fishing).

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Enacting section indicates the bill’s final effect is contingent on enactment of another House bill (H05342'25 a) from the 103rd Legislature.
  • The bill sets a civil penalty framework (up to $100) for violations and outlines evidence rules for enforcement.
  • The text references amendments to existing provisions since prior years (20013/2016 updates), but SB 1006 itself does not specify a distinct implementation date beyond the contingent enactment timing.

Practical impact

  • Clearer, standardized requirements for entry into Michigan state parks and boating access sites via recreation passport/nonresident permits.
  • Potential cost implications for residents (recreation passport fees) and nonresidents (permanent annual permits for park entry).
  • Maintains operational flexibility through exemptions and departmental waivers, including free fishing days.
  • Introduces a finite civil penalty framework to deter noncompliance.

Note: This summary reflects the bill text as introduced and its stated provisions. If enacted, the final statute may differ based on amendments adopted during the legislative process.

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

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