The Michigan House has approved legislation that would significantly expand Mackinac Island’s authority over ferry service, marking a major step forward in the Island’s ongoing battle over rising transportation costs and access control.

On Thursday, May 21, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 304 in a bipartisan 91-16 vote after suspending procedural rules and discharging the bill from committee earlier that same day. The legislation now returns to the Senate for expected concurrence with House amendments before heading to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk.

The bill would amend Mackinac Island’s 1899 city charter to give The City authority to regulate “all aspects of ferry service,” including mainland parking fees, baggage charges, early boarding fees, and any other fees connected to ferry transportation to the Island.

A previous version of the legislation cleared the Senate last July in a 30-6 vote but remained stalled in the House Government Operations Committee until Thursday’s action.

If signed into law by Governor Whitmer, the charter amendment would still require approval from Mackinac Island voters before taking effect.

The vote represents a success for Mackinac Island officials, who have spent months publicly criticizing what they describe as monopoly control over ferry transportation by the Hoffmann Family of Companies. Island leaders argue that ferry riders are increasingly burdened by rising add-on costs tied to parking, baggage handling, and premium boarding options.

The legislation arrives amid escalating tensions between Mackinac Island leaders and ferry operators over the future of transportation service to the Island. City officials have repeatedly argued that ferry access is essential public infrastructure and should be subject to greater oversight and accountability.

Supporters of the bill say the expanded authority would give Mackinac Island the tools needed to protect residents, workers, and visitors from excessive or unfair charges while ensuring long-term stability in transportation to one of Michigan’s most visited destinations.