HOUSE BILL NO. 6103

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled

"Natural resources and environmental protection act,"

by amending sections 74116 and 74126 (MCL 324.74116 and 324.74126), section 74116 as amended by 2016 PA 1 and section 74126 as added by 2006 PA 248.

the people of the state of michigan enact:

Sec. 74116. (1) Subject to subsection (4), the operator of a nonresident motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle shall not enter any state park with that motor vehicle unless a valid motor vehicle park permit issued under section 74117 is affixed to the lower right-hand corner of the windshield. An annual motor vehicle park permit for a nonresident motor vehicle shall be affixed permanently for that year. The department shall post signs at parks that state that a motor vehicle park permit is required for entry by a nonresident motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle.

(2) Subject to subsection (4), subsections (4) and (5), the operator of a resident motor vehicle shall not enter a state park with the resident motor vehicle unless the recreation passport fee has been paid for that motor vehicle. Payment of the recreation passport fee authorizes entry into all state parks and recreation areas and designated state-operated public boating access sites until expiration of the motor vehicle registration.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), subsections (4) and (5), if the secretary of state issues registration tabs or stickers as described in section 805 of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.805, the operator of a resident motor vehicle shall not enter a state park with the resident motor vehicle unless the resident motor vehicle has a registration tab or sticker marked as provided under that section to show that the recreation passport fee has been paid.

(4) Subsections (1) to (3) do not apply under any of the following circumstances:

(a) While the motor vehicle is being driven or parked within an established federal, state, or county highway within a state park.

(b) If the motor vehicle is used in the operation or maintenance of a state park, is an emergency motor vehicle, is a state owned or law enforcement motor vehicle, or is a private motor vehicle being operated on official state business.

(c) If the motor vehicle is registered under section 803e(1) of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.803e, and is exempt under section 803e(6) of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.803e, from the registration tax, or if the motor vehicle is registered under section 217d or 803f of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.217d and 257.803f.

(d) At a state-operated public boating access site or a state park where there is an opportunity to fish on a day that the department has designated as a free winter fishing day or a free fishing day under section 43534.

(e) If and to the extent that the department waives the requirements for department-sponsored events or other circumstances as determined by the director or the director's designee.

(f) If all of the following apply:

(i) The state park is Veterans State Park provided for in section 74126.

(ii) The operator or a passenger of the motor vehicle possesses proof that he or she is both of the following:

(A) A resident of this state.

(B) A veteran or an active member of the military.

(iii) The operator or passenger produces the proof required by subparagraph (ii) if requested by an agent of the department.

(5) For purposes of subsection (4)(f), both of the following apply:

(a) Either of the following is proof of being a veteran:

(i) Designation as a veteran on the individual's operator's license under section 310 of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.310.

(ii) Any other evidence determined to be acceptable by the department after consulting with the department of military and veterans affairs.

(b) Any of the following are proof of being an active member of the military:

(i) Current leave papers.

(ii) Military orders.

(iii) Any other evidence determined to be acceptable by the department after consulting with the department of military and veterans affairs.

(6) As used in this section:

(a) "Active member of the military" means an individual who is either of the following:

(i) Regularly enlisted or commissioned as an officer in the Armed Forces of the United States.

(ii) A reserve component soldier, sailor, airman, or marine or a member of the National Guard, who is called to federal active duty.

(b) "Veteran" means that term as defined in section 1 of 1965 PA 190, MCL 35.61.

Sec. 74126. (1) The state owned land containing the White Pine trail, Trail, which traverses an abandoned rail corridor between Comstock Park and Cadillac, shall be known as the "Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park".

(2) The department shall facilitate the establishment of a recreational trail that traverses, in part, the abandoned rail corridor that runs from White Lake drive, Drive, south of the city of Whitehall, to Lake avenue Avenue in the city of North Muskegon. This trail shall be known as the "Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail".

(3) The park and scenic area that includes Douglass Houghton Falls in Houghton County shall be considered to be designated by the director as a state park and shall be known as "Veterans State Park".

(4) (3) The department, in consultation with the committee, the commission, and the Michigan natural resources trust fund board established in section 1905, shall develop criteria for naming state parks and other state owned recreational facilities. Within 1 year after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this subsection, By July 3, 2007, the department shall present to the standing committees of the senate and the house of representatives with jurisdiction primarily relating to natural resources and state parks the criteria it has developed under this section.