LANSING, Mich. — Legislation sponsored by Sen. John Damoose to strengthen Mackinac Island’s authority to regulate fees related to ferry service was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday.

Senate Bill 304, now Public Act 17 of 2026, gives the city of Mackinac Island the ability to regulate all aspects of ferry service, including additional fees charged for services like parking, priority boarding and baggage.

“This is a big deal for Michigan tourism and for the countless businesses and workers who rely on people coming to the region,” said Damoose, R-Harbor Springs. “I am happy to see this get done and that everyone involved in getting this bill signed today understood both the sense of urgency that was needed and the duty we had to support one of Michigan’s premier tourism destinations.”

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Editor’s note: Damoose will be available for interviews regarding his recently signed legislation. You can schedule an interview by contacting the senator’s office at 517-373-2413 or via email at [email protected].