HARASSMENT OF HUNTERS AND FISHERS S.B 965 (S-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS
Senate Bill 965 (Substitute S-1 as reported) Sponsor: Senator Robert Geake
Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
The bill would amend Part 401 (Wildlife Conservation) of the Natural Resources and Environment Protection Act to add to the list of activities that constitute a violation of the prohibition against interfering with the lawful taking of animals, knowingly or intentionally engaging in any other act or behavior with the intent of violating the prohibition. The bill also would increase from 90 days to 93 days the maximum jail sentence for an violation of the prohibition, and specifies that the penalty for a second or subsequent violation would be imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of at least $1,000 but not more than $2,500, or both, plus the costs of prosecution. Currently, a violation is punishable by a fine of at least $500 but not more than $1,000, a maximum 90-day jail sentence, or both, plus prosecution costs.
In addition, the bill would prohibit a person from obstructing or interfering in the lawful taking of animals by another person. Currently, the Act prohibits a person from obstructing or interfering in the lawful taking of animals by another person with the intent to prevent that lawful taking.
MCL 324.40112 Legislative Analyst: L. Burghardt
The bill would have no fiscal impact on the Department of Corrections, yet could result in increased local costs for prosecuting and sanctioning convicted violators of the bill. There are no data currently available that might indicate the expected number of annual violations. The bills could generate increased revenues to the State from criminal fines and penalties.
Date Completed: 4-25-96 Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutler
M. Hansen
floor\sb965
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.