A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” (MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding part 784.
HB 5880 seeks to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act of 1994 by adding Part 784, which focuses on the navigation of large watercraft through the Straits of Mackinac. The bill defines "large watercraft" as vessels exceeding 700 feet in length and mandates that such vessels must be guided by a maritime pilot licensed by the United States Coast Guard or another federal agency. The primary objective of this legislation is to enhance the safety and environmental protection of the Straits of Mackinac by regulating the navigation and anchoring practices of large watercraft. The bill prohibits operators of large watercraft from deploying, dragging, setting, or using equipment that may contact the bottomlands of the Straits, with an exception for vessels exercising tribal usufructuary rights as reserved in the 1836 Treaty of Washington and the 2007 Consent Decree. Violations of this provision are classified as felonies, punishable by up to four years of imprisonment, fines up to $10,000, and reimbursement for any environmental cleanup costs or damages incurred. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to place and maintain buoys or beacons to mark obstructions, designate emergency anchorage areas, and promote safe navigation. If an obstruction is owned by a private entity, that entity must mark the obstruction within 90 days of the bill's effective date and maintain the markers, with non-compliance resulting in civil fines up to $5,000. The legislation also stipulates that large watercraft must be guided by an approved maritime pilot when navigating the Straits. The Department of Natural Resources is tasked with maintaining and publishing a list of approved pilots, who must consult with the department to design safe routes tailored to various vessel sizes and weather conditions. Violations of this requirement are also classified as felonies, with penalties including up to four years of imprisonment and fines up to $5,000.
HB 5881 creates a 4-year maximum prison sentence for boaters who drop anchor or employ pilotless navigation in the Straits of Mackinac.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
