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Positions on Legislation
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MRPA Legislative Priorities

The Michigan Recreation and Park Association is a non-profit organization that represents nearly 2,000 park and recreation professionals and agencies. MRPA advocates state and federal policies and programs that support parks and recreation services throughout Michigan. The MRPA Legislative Platform is amended from time to time as specific bills and regulatory issues arise. View the entire MRPA Legislative Platform here.

MRPA Positions on Specific Legislation (2009-2010 Legislative Session)

  • MRPA supports the prompt passage of Senate Bill 322 (McManus) to appropriate nearly $50 million for state and local land acquisition and recreation development grants based on the December, 2008 recommendations of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board of Directors. Early passage of the appropriations will allow acquisition and development projects to go forward during Michigan’s short construction season. Status: Signed by Governor Granholm on May 7, 2009.

              - MRPA Op-Ed and coverage in the Lansing State Journal and Grand Rapids Press    

  • MRPA opposes House Joint Resolution H (Sheltrown) and House Bill 4204 (Calley) to amend the Michigan Constitution to increase the amount of annual expenditure of revenues to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to 50%, and to add a new expenditure category for “the management and wildlife habitat and fisheries, including hatcheries.” Taken together, the proposal would violate the core mission of the MNRTF and diminish the amount of money available each year to local units of government for the acquisition of recreational lands. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources. 
                              
     - MRPA's letter to Representatives Sheltrown and Calley regarding HJRH and HB4204
  • MRPA "supports the vision to establish a sustainable source of funding for state and local parks," however the association is awaiting additional information before taking a position on Senate Bill 388 (Birkholz) and Senate Bill 389 (Basham) to create a state park “passport” system funded by voluntary motor vehicle registration fees. The bills would eliminate vehicle entry and boating access fees in state parks. Local parks would benefit from an increase in funds available for development under the legislation’s 10% set aside of fee revenue for grants to local units. The "passport" proposal exists in the House under House Bill 4677 (Warren) and House Bill 4678 (Meekhof). Status: SB 388 and 389 have been referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs; HB 4677 and 4678 have been referred to the House Committee on Great Lakes and the Environment.  

             - Citizens Committee for Michigan State Parks (CCMSP) resolution

          - April 1, 2009 testimony of MRPA President Darrin Duistermars

          - April 22, 2009 testimony of MRPA Executive Director Dennis Schornack

          - April 29, 2009 testimony of MRPA Executive Director Dennis Schornack

  • MRPA opposes House Bill 4610 (Moore), also known as the "Right to Ride" bill. The proposed legislation would require all trailways on state-owned land open from May 7, 2008 to remain open and accessible for horses and mules. Additionally, any lands that previously allowed pack and saddle animals would be required to reopen for riders. The bill would drastically increase park maintenance costs and will pose additional safety risks for other citizens using the trailways. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources.

  • MRPA supports House Bill 496 (Van Woerkom), which requires individuals riding horses on state designated trailways to possess a registered bridle tag. Status: Referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.