H.B. 4923: FIRST ANALYSIS - ADOPT STATE WILDFLOWER

House Bill 4923 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor: Representative Liz Brater

House Committee: Regulatory Affairs

Senate Committee: Government Operations

Date Completed: 12-8-98

RATIONALE

Through the years the State has adopted various objects, animals, and plants as official State symbols. In addition to the State flag, State seal, and State coat-of-arms, currently the State has eight official State symbols: the State stone (Petoskey); State flower (Apple Blossom); State fish (Brook Trout); State reptile (Painted Turtle); State gem (Isle Royal Greenstone); State soil (Kalkaska); State bird (Robin); and State tree (White Pine). It has been pointed out that, thus far, the State has not adopted a State wildflower. It has been suggested that the Dwarf Lake Iris, which is found almost exclusively in Michigan, be named the State wildflower.

CONTENT

The bill would create a new act to designate the Dwarf Lake Iris (Iris lacustris) as the official State wildflower.

ARGUMENTS

(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)

Supporting Argument

State symbols should highlight wildlife and natural resources in the State, and should represent something special or unique about Michigan. The Dwarf Lake Iris meets those criteria. The Iris blooms around Memorial Day each year, in clusters of short, blue flowers. It is found almost exclusively along the shorelines of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Reportedly, it is found in only one other state, a small area in Door County, Wisconsin. In Michigan, it is found mostly along the southern shores of the Upper Peninsula, and the northern shores of the Lower Peninsula.

- Legislative Analyst: G. Towne

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

- Fiscal Analyst: E. Limbs

H9798\S4923A

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.