CROSSBOW PERMIT:  TEMPORARY DISABILITY

Senate Bill 164

Sponsor:  Sen. Jim Barcia

House Committee:  Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources

Senate Committee:  Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation

Complete to:  9-14-09

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 164 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 5-26-09

Under Part 401 (Wildlife Conservation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently allowed to issue crossbow permits only to persons who are permanently disabled.  The bill would amend Part 401 to also allow the DNR to issue crossbow permits to persons who are temporarily disabled. 

[Note:  The Natural Resources Commission recently issued regulations (subject to a three-year sunset) liberalizing crossbow use in Michigan.  For example, crossbows may now be used in any firearm hunting season throughout the state.  In addition, crossbows may be used in any hunting season (bow or firearm) in Zone 3 (southern Michigan).  During the October 1-November 14 bow hunting deer season, crossbows may be used by anyone 50 years of age or older statewide.  However, even under these new regulations, some persons may still need a permit for hunting with a crossbow during a bow season in Zones 1 or 2.]

FISCAL IMPACT:

This bill would not have a significant fiscal impact on revenue to the Game and Fish Protection Fund.  If the bill passes, and if temporarily disabled persons purchasing licenses bought a license in the prior hunting season, there would be no fiscal impact.  If they were unable to participate without this bill, the annual loss would depend on the number of temporarily disabled persons wishing to purchase a crossbow permit.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kirk Lindquist

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.