2009 House Bill 4678

Replace state park and recreation fees

Introduced in the House

March 24, 2009

Introduced by Rep. Arlan Meekhof (R-89)

To authorize a voluntary annual $10 vehicle registration surcharge ($5 for motorcycles) on non-commercial vehicles. This would replace state forest, park and boating access fees for residents.

Referred to the Committee on Great Lakes and Environment

May 7, 2009

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 10, 2009

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises various details, but does not change its substance. This version was subsequently superseded by another substitute with substantive changes.

The substitute failed by voice vote

Substitute offered by Rep. Arlan Meekhof (R-89)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that makes the voluntary registration surcharge an "opt-in," rather than an "opt-out." In other words, Secretary of State employees would ask vehicle owners whether they wanted to pay the extra amount, rather than automatically tacking it on to registration taxes.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Arlan Meekhof (R-89)

To earmark up to $1 million of the recreation fee revenue to certain Secretary of State administration costs.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 83 to 24 (details)

Received in the Senate

Dec. 17, 2009

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs