Vote Smart's Synopsis:

A vote to pass a bill that authorizes public use of the shore of Lake Michigan by July 1, 2019.

Highlights:

• Defines “Lake Michigan shore” as the land along the edge of Lake Michigan between the waters and the fluctuating high water mark (Sec. 3).

• Classifies permitted vehicle watercrafts as boats or other devices that are, but are not limited to (Sec. 5):

• Canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, rowboats, surf boards, or other similar watercrafts;

• Used for recreational purposes;

• Motorless or;

• Not used with a trailer attachment while in Lake Michigan

• Defines permitted recreational activities upon the lakeshore to include but are not limited to fishing, swimming, wading, walking, birdwatching, beach-playing, and non-motorized boating (Sec. 8).

• Limits the permitted recreation activities to if they become a nuisance to other members of the public (Sec. 8).

• Requires the Department of Natural Resources to oversee shoreline activities, any shoreline construction projects, and may request services from local law enforcement (Sec. 8).

• Specifies that the conditions in this bill do not apply to commercial or industrial facilities pursuing patents or permits, nor do they apply to the Port of Indiana at Burns Harbor (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text