GAME BIRD HUNTING PRESERVES - H.B. 4412 (H-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 4412 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Representative Larry DeVuyst
House Committee: Conservation and Outdoor Recreation
Senate Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 417 (Private Shooting Preserves) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to refer to "game bird hunting preserves", instead of private shooting preserves; provide for a three-year, rather than one-year, license to operate a preserve; delete the authority of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promulgate rules on shooting preserves; and rescind shooting preserve rules in the Michigan Administrative Code.
Currently, the Act specifies that preserve licenses are valid from July 1 through June 30. Under the bill, licenses would be valid from the date of issuance until June 30 of the third license year. The bill also would increase the license fees for operating a preserve from $35 to $105 for a preserve of 320 acres or less, and from $60 to $180 for a preserve in excess of 320 acres.
Under the Act, shooting preserves with operations involving animals not native or commonly found in the wild in Michigan must be adequately fenced and maintained to keep the animals in complete and continuous captivity as approved by the DNR. The bill would delete this requirement.
The Act provides that a stamp mark, band, tag, or seal must be affixed to the carcass or wrapper of each bird shot before it is either consumed or removed from the property, and such markers may not be removed until the carcass is prepared for consumption. Under the bill, these requirements would apply except as otherwise provided by an order issued by the DNR.
The Act specifies that the DNR may promulgate rules and issue orders governing the administration of Part 417, and may establish an open season for shooting preserves. The bill would delete reference to the promulgation of rules, and would permit the DNR, by order, to establish an open season for game bird hunting preserves. Current penalties for the violation of a rule would apply to the violation of an order.
MCL 324.41701 et al. - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no net effect on Department revenues or cost. The current fee covers a one-year permit. The bill would triple the fee to cover a three-year permit.
Date Completed: 5-24-01 - Fiscal Analyst: P. GrahamFloor\hb4412 - 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.