2024 House Bill 5428

AI Analysis – Experimental

The proposed legislation amends the Michigan Vehicle Code, specifically section 805 (MCL 257.805), to revise the provisions related to the recreation passport fee associated with motor vehicle registrations. The bill allows applicants for vehicle registration or renewal, as well as for replacement registration tabs or stickers, to submit a recreation passport fee to the Secretary of State. The fee structure is updated to $10.00 for most vehicles, $5.00 for motorcycles, and twice the applicable amount for two-year vehicle registrations. The bill also stipulates that the application for vehicle registration must include specific language regarding the recreation passport fee, which grants unlimited entry to Michigan state parks and recreation areas, as well as DNR-operated state boating access sites.

The Secretary of State is authorized to adjust the application format and language to reflect these changes. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision requiring the fee to be charged to vehicle registrations by the Secretary of State, but applicants requesting a refund would have to apply to the Department of Natural Resources within 30 days of vehicle registration or renewal. The revenue generated from these fees will be transferred monthly to the Department of Natural Resources for deposit as specified in section 2045 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451, MCL 324.2045). The state treasurer is tasked with adjusting the fee amounts annually by August 1, based on changes in the Consumer Price Index since October 1, 2010. The legislature will review the revenue raised by the recreation passport fee annually to ensure its appropriateness and compliance with the law.

The bill also mandates that registration tabs or stickers for vehicles with paid recreation passport fees be marked distinctively, and it requires consultation with the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of State Police before discontinuing the issuance of such tabs or stickers. Personal information regarding whether an individual paid or requested a refund for the recreation passport fee is protected under section 40b. The bill defines "Consumer Price Index" and clarifies that "motor vehicle" does not include commercial motor vehicles.