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HB 5308

Watercraft: registration; invasive species prevention and remediation watercraft decals; provide for. Amends sec. 80124a of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.80124a).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Aragona and 11 co-sponsors

Michigan watercraft registration bill establishes invasive species prevention decal system to fund inspection, prevention, and remediation efforts across state waters.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE
#environmentalprotection:waterpollution #watercraft:registration
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Bill Summary · HB 5308

Legislative bill overview

HB 5308 would establish a watercraft registration and decal system in Michigan specifically designed to prevent and address invasive species in the state's waters. The bill links watercraft registration requirements to invasive species management, likely requiring certain fees or decals that fund prevention and remediation efforts. This represents an expansion of current watercraft registration mechanisms to include environmental protection objectives.

Why is this important

Invasive aquatic species cause billions in economic damage nationwide and severely damage ecosystems by outcompeting native species. Michigan, with extensive Great Lakes and inland water systems, faces particular vulnerability to species like zebra mussels, sea lampreys, and aquatic plants that spread through watercraft movement between water bodies. Dedicated funding and registration systems can enable systematic prevention programs, inspection protocols, and rapid response to new invasions.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on boaters: New or increased registration fees and decal requirements may face resistance from recreational boating communities already paying registration costs, particularly affecting lower-income water users
  • Implementation and enforcement complexity: Creating a decal system requires coordination across multiple water bodies and jurisdictions; unclear whether funding will be sufficient for widespread inspection and compliance monitoring
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill language doesn't specify which watercraft types are covered, decal costs, or remediation priorities, potentially creating uneven environmental protection depending on final regulations

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

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