Michigan Senate Bill SB0280

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/1/25
• Refer: 5/1/25

Caption

Vehicles: registration; recreation passport fee; make mandatory. Amends sec. 805 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.805). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0281'25

Impact

The implementation of SB280 will have a significant impact on Michigan's state laws related to vehicle registration and public access to natural resources. By mandating the payment of the state parks recreation passport fee, the state aims to increase funds dedicated to maintaining and improving state parks and public access sites. The bill is designed to streamline entry into these areas, providing unlimited access for paying vehicle owners, thus promoting recreational activities in Michigan's natural spaces and potentially increasing attendance at state parks.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 280 proposes an amendment to the Michigan Vehicle Code, specifically targeting the Michigan state parks recreation passport fee. This bill makes it mandatory for applicants seeking the issuance or renewal of a motor vehicle registration, or a replacement registration tab or sticker, to submit a state parks recreation passport fee along with their application. The current fee structure indicates that the fee is set at $10 for standard vehicles, $5 for motorcycles, and $20 for individuals registering vehicles for a two-year period, effectively integrating access to state parks into the vehicle registration process.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics could argue that making the recreation passport fee mandatory for all vehicle registrations may disproportionately affect those who do not frequently use state parks, effectively imposing an additional fee on vehicle owners without granting substantial benefits. Supporters, on the other hand, may argue that the bill encourages greater use of state parks while ensuring they are adequately funded. Moreover, the bill ties its enactment to the passage of Senate Bill No. 281, which may bring additional legislative complexities into the discussion.