Watercraft: other; local ordinance; modify procedure for approval of. Amends secs. 80110 & 80112 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.80110 & 324.80112).

HB 4946 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to streamline procedures for local governments seeking special watercraft regulations on lakes. It directly affects lakefront property owners and local governments by requiring a 75% petition signature threshold from riparian property owners (representing 75%+ of properties) for private lakes without public access to approve local ordinances. The bill standardizes the Department of Natural Resources' investigation process, mandating evaluation of safety, traffic patterns, historical accidents, and existing regulations before recommending special rules. It also adds an appeal option to the director if the department denies a request for a special rule. These changes aim to clarify local authority while ensuring safety and compatibility of watercraft use.