A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 2045 (MCL 324.2045), as amended by 2013 PA 81.
HB 5873 amends the distribution of revenue from the state recreation passport fee. Current allocations are maintained until receipts reach $46.5 million. Funds received above $46.5 million would be distributed as follows: 70% for state park improvements, 2.75% for cultural and historic resources, 0.25% for promotional activities, 20% for local public recreation facilities, and 7% for state forest campgrounds and trails. The bill mandates annual adjustments to the $46,500,000 threshold based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) starting from the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Additionally, the amounts allocated to the state park improvement and waterways accounts will be adjusted annually based on the CPI since October 1, 2010. By January 15 each year, the Department of Natural Resources, in consultation with the Department of State, must estimate the additional revenue that would have been collected if certain motor vehicles were not exempt from the recreation passport fee. The legislature is required to appropriate an equivalent sum from the general fund to be distributed as per the outlined allocations. The bill also requires the Department of Natural Resources to submit an annual report by February 1 detailing the total revenue received from recreation passport fees, state park motor vehicle permits, and public boating access site fees, along with specific uses and expenditures of these funds. The report must also assess the adequacy of the revenue for its intended purposes and its impact on the Michigan state parks endowment fund. Additionally, biennial reports are required to analyze the frequency of state park and boating access site usage by vehicles whose owners declined to pay the recreation passport fee.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
