Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits ship operators from dropping anchor in the Straits of Mackinac.

Highlights:

• Prohibits vessel operators from deploying, dragging, setting, or using any anchor or any other vessel equipment that may come into contact with the Lake bottomlands in the area bounded on the west by a line beginning at latitude N 45 degrees 46’ 48.883” longitude W 84 degree 47’ 34.705” and extending north to point latitude N 45 degrees 50’ 23.169” Longitude W 84 degrees 46’ 8.476” and bounded on the east by a line beginning at Latitude N 45 degree 47’ 18.4812” Longitude W 84 degrees 43’ 55.2396” and extending north to point Latitude N 45 degrees 50’ 46.086” longitude W 84 degrees 43’ 24.1392” (Sec. 80158A).

• Specifies that in the cases of an emergency or with prior written permission granted by the Director, a vessel can deploy, drag, set, or use any anchor or any other vessel equipment that may come into contact with the lake bottomlands in the restricted area (Sec. 80158A).

• Authorizes an individual to submit a request, in writing, to the department  to receive permission to use an anchor or other vessel equipment that may contact the bottomlands in the restricted area (Sec. 80158A).

• Specifies that the restrictions do not apply to vessels exercising tribal usufructuary rights (Sec. 80158A).

• Establishes violations for individuals that use the restricted area without permission and not in an emergency that is a felony punishable by imprisonment for no more than 2 years or a fine not more than $10,000, or both (Sec. 80158A).

• Establishes violations for individuals who are convicted of a second offense is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for no more than 5 years or a fine of no more than $15,000, or both (Sec. 80158A).   

Full Bill Text