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SB 304

Transportation: other; Charter of City of Mackinac Island; amend; regulation of ferries; provide for. Amends sec. 1, ch. IX & sec. 1, ch. XVI of 1899 LA 437 & provides for a referendum.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 6 co-sponsors

Michigan updates ferry transportation regulations through statute amendments and requires public referendum approval for implementation provisions.

ASSIGNED LA 1 WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
#cities:other #transportation:other
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Bill Summary · SB 304

Legislative bill overview

SB 304 amends Michigan's ferry transportation regulations under historical statutes from 1899, updating how ferries are regulated and governed. The bill includes provisions for a public referendum, suggesting voters will weigh in on at least one aspect of the ferry regulatory changes.

Why is this important

Ferries serve critical transportation functions in Michigan, particularly for island communities and cross-water travel. Regulatory updates can affect service reliability, safety standards, operational costs, and accessibility for residents and businesses dependent on ferry service.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope unclear: The bill references amendments to 1899 statutes without specifying what regulatory changes are actually being made, making it difficult to assess intended impacts
  • Referendum trigger: The inclusion of a referendum suggests potential public controversy; the specific question and how it affects implementation is not detailed in the provided information
  • Stakeholder impact: Changes could affect ferry operators (compliance costs), consumers (rates/service), and island communities (transportation access) differently, with unclear distribution of benefits and burdens

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

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