NONGAME FISH & WILDLIFE INVESTMENTS - S.B. 799: FLOOR ANALYSIS
Senate Bill 799 (as passed by the Senate)
Sponsor: Senator Alma Wheeler Smith
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow a change in the investment of the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund (NGFWTF) and to require a report.
The bill would give the State Treasurer the authority to invest the NGFWTF in the same manner as the State Employees' Retirement Fund (SERF) is invested. Currently, the assets of the NGFWTF may not be invested in stocks (although up to 70% of the assets of the SERF may be invested in stocks within certain limitations).
The bill would require the State Treasurer to report annually to the Appropriations Committees and the natural resources and environment committees of the Legislature on the revenues and expenditures of the NGFWTF. The report would have to describe specifically the impact of the expanded investment options on the revenues and expenditures of the NGFWTF.
The bill is tie barred to Senate Joint Resolution T, which would amend the State Constitution to exempt certain funds from the prohibition on investment in stocks.
MCL 324.43902
FISCAL IMPACT
If the NGFWTF were invested in the same manner as the SERF is invested, and if it is assumed that the earnings rate of the SERF is similar to the earnings rate of the last 15 years, then the NGFWTF would earn approximately 6.5% more per year than currently earned. In FY 2000-01, if the NGFWTF earned at the annual average rate of the SERF, then the earnings of the Fund would be approximately $0.4 million greater than under current investment restrictions.
Date Completed: 11-2-01 - Fiscal Analyst: P. Graham Floor\sb799 - Bill Analysis @ http://www.senate.state.mi.us/sfa
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.