MACKINAC FERRY REGULATION        S.B. 304 (S-1):

        SUMMARY OF BILL

        REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Bill 304 (Substitute S-1 as reported) 

Sponsor: Senator John N. Damoose

Committee: Regulatory Affairs

 

 

CONTENT

 

The bill would amend Local Act 437 of 1899, which governs the City of Mackinac Island's city charter, to grant the City of Mackinac Island the authority to regulate all aspects of ferry service to and from the City, including ancillary fees and charges to consumers.

 

BRIEF RATIONALE

 

Historically, most visitors accessed Mackinac Island via one of three ferry companies. In recent years, a single corporate entity has purchased all three companies. According to testimony, this could give a single entity unfair control over the cost of passage and therefore access to the Island. Some have argued that because much of the Island is made up of State park land, affordable access to Mackinac Island should be ensured to all residents of the State.

 

        Legislative Analyst: Nathan Leaman

 

FISCAL IMPACT

 

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State and no direct fiscal impact on local units of government. The bill could have an indirect positive fiscal impact on Mackinac Island by allowing the regulation of the ferry services, not only the ticket price of ferries but also other fees associated with the ferry services like baggage fees and parking fees. The regulation of these fees could result in a larger amount of tourism to Mackinac Island and could result in a positive fiscal impact for Mackinac Island.

 

Date Completed: 6-27-25        Fiscal Analyst: Bobby Canell

 

floor\sb304                Bill Analysis @ www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.