Rep. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, this week introduced a plan to save time and eliminate bureaucracy for canoe and kayak rental businesses in Michigan.

Under House Bill 5961, businesses would only have to register their non-motorized watercraft one time when used for commercial or rental purposes. The registration would last a lifetime — annual registrations would no longer be required.

“This is common-sense legislation to help some of our state’s great small businesses – including those that rely on people visiting our lakes and rivers in northern Michigan,” Damoose said. “No more waiting in line or seeking appointments with the Secretary of State year after year to renew registrations. This will lift a bureaucratic burden for many businesses involved in our state’s tourism industry, which is still struggling to bounce back from the pandemic.”

Businesses that rent kayaks, canoes and paddleboats are critical to Michigan’s tourism industry. Businesses vary in size from mom-and-pop shops to large operations.

House Bill 5961 was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation for further consideration. It applies only to commercial kayaks and canoes – personal non-motorized watercraft do not require registration.

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