Recreation: state parks; veteran or actively serving military status; make basis for free state park and public boating access site entry. Amends secs. 74116 & 78119 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.74116 & 324.78119).
Impact
The proposed amendment is significant as it directly modifies existing statutes surrounding access to state parks and fees associated with entry. By defining specific circumstances under which military personnel can enter without charges, the bill aligns state law with broader social recognition for veterans. It also acknowledges the financial burden of recreation fees, promoting inclusivity and equity for those who have served in the military.
Summary
Senate Bill 1178 amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to introduce provisions that allow for free access to state parks and public boating access sites for honorably discharged veterans and active military members. The bill specifies that these individuals can display a verified hangtag or sticker indicating their status to gain entry without having to pay the recreation passport fee typically required for resident vehicles. This change aims to recognize and honor the service of military members while facilitating their access to recreational activities in natural spaces provided by the state.
Conclusion
Overall, Senate Bill 1178 represents a move toward enhancing the relationship between the state and its veterans by improving their access to recreational facilities. The discussions around this bill will likely revolve around implementation logistics, potential revenue implications, and the balance between honoring military service and ensuring the sustainability of state park funding.
Contention
While supporters argue that the bill is a deserving acknowledgment of veterans' sacrifices, there may be concerns regarding the administrative processes for verifying service member status. Additionally, while state parks benefit from entry fees for maintenance and operations, the bill could impact revenue generation. Opponents may argue that this creates an unequal playing field among different user groups and could lead to complexities in implementation, particularly in how verification is managed at entry points.
Recreation: state parks; veteran or actively serving military status; make basis for free state park and public boating access site entry. Amends secs. 74116 & 78119 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.74116 & 324.78119).
Recreation: state parks; vehicles with a municipal license plate; allow to enter a park without a recreation passport. Amends secs. 74116 & 78119 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.74116 & 324.78119).
Recreation: state parks; recreation passport requirement; exempt Gold Star family members in NREPA. Amends secs. 74116 & 78119 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.74116 & 324.78119). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4672'25
Recreation: state parks; recreation passport and nonresident motor vehicle park passes; modify. Amends secs. 2001, 2045, 74101, 74116, 74117, 74120, 78101, 78105 & 78119 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.2001 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0280'25
Recreation: state parks; recreation passport requirement; exempt Gold Star family members in vehicle code. Amends sec. 805 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.805). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4672'25
Vehicles: registration; recreation passport fee; include in renewal of vehicle registration unless applicant opts out. Amends sec. 805 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.805).
Vehicles: registration; recreation passport fee; include in renewal of vehicle registration unless applicant opts out. Amends sec. 805 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.805).
Recreation: state parks; state park and forest campsite reservations; give residents first opportunity for. Amends secs. 74114 & 83106 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.74114 & 324.83106).
Recreation: state parks; veteran or actively serving military status; make basis for free state park and public boating access site entry. Amends secs. 74116 & 78119 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.74116 & 324.78119).
A resolution to affirm the constitutional right of the people of Michigan to propose amendments to the Michigan Constitution and to approve or reject those amendments, including constitutional amendments that impact federal elections, such as Proposal 3 of 2018 and Proposal 2 of 2022.
Elections: voters; definition of identification for election purposes; expand to include current concealed pistol license. Amends sec. 2 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.2).
Elections: voters; definition of identification for election purposes; expand. Amends sec. 2 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.2). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0459'23, SB 0460'23, SB 0461'23
Fireworks: ordinances; the days that fireworks use may be regulated by a local unit of government; modify, and increase sanctions for certain violations. Amends secs. 7 & 12 of 2011 PA 256 (MCL 28.457 & 28.462).