HB 5164 Summary

• Establishes a waterways account within the Michigan conservation and recreation legacy fund to consolidate funds formerly held in separate state waterways, harbor development, and marine safety funds, with revenue from watercraft registration fees, moorage fees, public access site fees, and diesel fuel taxes for waterway use.

• Exempts nonmotorized rafts and boats furnished exclusively to occupants of rental cabins, cottages, or hotel rooms from boat livery regulations and permitting requirements.

• Sets inspection fees for boat liveries at $100 per navigable waters livery boat with dockside inspections, and establishes annual inspection fees ranging from $60-$200 depending on vessel class and inspection type.

• Creates liability protections for nonmotorized livery boat owners for injuries resulting from inherent risks such as weather, water conditions, and equipment malfunction, provided owners post required warning notices.

• Grants peace officers authority to conduct inspections of livery boats with 72 hours' advance notice and establishes misdemeanor penalties of up to one year imprisonment or $1,000 fine for violations of boating regulations.