FISHING LICENSE WAIVER - S.B. 254: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
Senate Bill 254 (as introduced 2-3-99)
Sponsor: Senator Dianne Byrum
Committee: Hunting, Fishing and Forestry
CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 435 (Hunting and Fishing Licensing) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow a person to fish at any time without a license or permit if the person were participating in a fishing derby conducted by an entity described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (e.g., a nonprofit charitable corporation) and approved by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Under the Act, the DNR may designate one day or two consecutive days each year as free fishing days, during which a resident or nonresident may fish for all species of fish in all State waters designated by the DNR without purchasing a license or permit. A person who fishes during the free fishing days has the same privileges as a holder of a limited fishing license issued under the Act. The bill would extend the privileges to include a person participating in a fishing derby as described above.
Currently, a holder of a limited fishing license is entitled to take all aquatic species as prescribed by law. "Aquatic species" means any fish, reptile, amphibian, mollusk, aquatic insect, or crustacea or part thereof.
MCL 324.43534 - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
- Fiscal Analyst: G. CutlerS9900\s254sa
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.