S.B. 1024: COMMITTEE SUMMARY - WARRANTLESS SEARCHES OF BOATS

Senate Bill 1024 (as introduced 3-18-98)

Sponsor: Senator Dave Jaye

Committee: Hunting, Fishing and Forestry

Date Completed: 3-24-98

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 15 (Enforcement) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to prohibit a conservation officer or other employee or agent of the Department of Natural Resources acting in an investigative or official capacity, from seeking entry to or entering a vessel at dock, anchored, or under way that was being used as a private residence, without a warrant.

("Vessel" would mean every description of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.)

Currently, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and appointed conservation officers, trained and certified under the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Training Council Act, are peace officers vested with all the powers, privileges, prerogatives, and immunities conferred upon peace officers by general State laws.

Proposed MCL 324.1503 - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill could result in an indeterminate increase in administrative costs by requiring the use of warrants for all entry into vessels.

- Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutler

S9798\S1024SA

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.