LAND APPLICATION FEE REFUND - H.B. 5066 (S-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS

House Bill 5066 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor: Representative Allen Lowe

House Committee: Conservation, Environment and Recreation

Senate Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to refund in full the land exchange application fee if it charged an application fee for a proposed exchange of lands and the State land proposed for exchange were sold to another party within three years after the application was submitted, and if the applicant had informed the DNR of his or her current address.

Under the Act, the DNR is permitted to exchange State-owned or State-acquired lands for lands of equal area or approximately equal value that belong to the United States or are owned by private individuals if the DNR determines that it is in the State's best interest to do so.

MCL 324.2104 - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have minimal fiscal impact on the Department of Natural Resources since the refund of application fees is current practice. According to the Department, there would be some increased record-keeping costs associated with the bill.

Date Completed: 2-17-98 - Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutlerfloor\hb5066

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.