Recreation: state parks; recreation passport requirement; exempt Gold Star family members in vehicle code. Amends sec. 805 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.805).

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

SB 1005 would modify Michigan’s Recreation Passport rules for state parks and add vehicle-code exemptions for Gold Star family members.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

#recreation:stateparks #veterans:other

Bill Summary – SB 1005 (2025-2026, Michigan)

Purpose and intent

SB 1005 aims to modify transportation-related provisions in Michigan law to support state recreation offerings and provide targeted exemptions. Specifically, it focuses on the state’s recreation passport program for parks and recreational areas and adds an exemption for Gold Star family members in relation to vehicle code requirements. The bill amends section 805 of the Vehicle Code (1949 PA 300, as amended) to implement these changes.

Key provisions and changes

Recreation Passport program (state parks)

The bill addresses the recreation passport framework, which is the system used for parking access and entry in Michigan state parks and recreation areas.
While the exact text of the amendments is not provided in the summary, the bill’s title indicates changes intended to the recreation passport requirement. Potential changes could relate to how the passport is obtained, the scope of facilities covered, fee structures, exemptions, or administrative processes for state-managed parks and recreation areas.

Gold Star family exemption (vehicle code)

The bill adds or expands an exemption for Gold Star family members under the state vehicle code.
This exemption would apply to certain vehicle-related requirements or fees, aligning with broader policy practices that recognize the sacrifice of fallen service members and their families.
The precise scope (e.g., specific fees, registrations, waivers, or deferred requirements) would be defined in the enacted text.

Who is affected

State parks and recreation facilities: Operations and access related to the Recreation Passport program, including park visitors who may be subject to passport requirements, fees, or exemptions.

Gold Star family members: Individuals qualifying as Gold Star families would receive the vehicle code exemption as provided by the bill, reducing or waiving certain motor-vehicle obligations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced May 21, 2026.

Referral: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration.

Sponsors: Primary sponsor Senator Paul Wojno; co-sponsors Senator Michael Webber and additional sponsor noted.

Practical implications

If enacted, state park access procedures and fee structures related to the Recreation Passport may change, potentially affecting annual or one-time payments, eligibility, and enforcement.

Gold Star family exemptions could reduce or modify certain vehicle-code obligations for eligible individuals, improving recognition and relief for families of fallen service members.

The bill would require administrative guidance and implementation details from the Michigan Department of Transportation and relevant park management agencies.

If you want, I can tailor this summary to emphasize potential fiscal impacts, administrative changes, or provide a comparison with current law as it stood prior to SB 1005.