LaFave: Bill that would limit hours for boats is 'dead'

A proposal in the Michigan House that would have prevented boats from using lakes after dark is dead.

State Rep. Beau LaFave, R-Iron Mountain, says House Bill 4362 had a drafting error. The bill would make it illegal to operate a vessel on a public inland lake before 8 a.m. and after sunset.

"House Bill 4362 is dead," said LaFave, in a statement Tuesday morning. "There was a drafting error that was not caught before introduction. I have spoken with the bill sponsor and neither he nor I want to stop people from using boat launches after dark. I thank the individuals who have contacted me and brought this issue to my attention. I assure you this issue was an honest mistake and will not move forward."

State Rep. Jason Sheppard, R-Temperance, says he is in the process of drafting alternative language to more clearly attain my goal of making our state’s waters more accessible to all.