HUNTER & FISHERMEN HARASSMENT - H.B. 5366 (H-2): FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 5366 (Substitute H-2 as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Representative Allen Lowe
House Committee: Conservation, Environment and Recreation
Senate Committee: Hunting, Fishing and Forestry
CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 435 (Hunting and Fishing Licenses) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to spend money in the Wildlife Resource Protection Fund for rewards leading to the arrest and prosecution of persons who obstruct or interfere in the lawful taking of animals or aquatic species in violation of Section 40112 or 48702a of the Act, which prohibit obstruction or interference in the lawful taking of animals or aquatic species by another.
The bill would create a $5,000 reward for a violation involving the killing of a person engaged in lawfully taking an animal or aquatic species. A person whose lawful taking of an animal or aquatic species was obstructed or interfered with would not be eligible to receive a reward under the bill.
In addition, the bill would require the DNR to spend money in the Fund for a promotional or educational campaign to inform the general public on how to identify and report persons who obstruct or interfere in the lawful taking of animals or aquatic species in violation of the Act, and the reward for information that led to their arrest and prosecution.
Currently, money in the Fund must be spent by the DNR for rewards for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of poachers; hiring conservation officers for the investigation of poaching; and a promotional and educational campaign to inform the general public on the harm and danger of poaching and the reward for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of poachers.
MCL 324.43555 - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill could increase costs to the State a minimal amount, depending on the number and type of rewards for reporting harassment.
Date Completed: 11-12-98 - Fiscal Analyst: G. CutlerFLOOR\HB5366 - Analysis available @ http://www.michiganlegislature.org
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.