CROSSBOW PERMIT: TEMPORARY DISABILITY S.B. 164: ANALYSIS AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
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Senate Bill 164 (as reported without amendment) (as enrolled)
Sponsor: Senator Jim Barcia
Committee: Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation


Date Completed: 4-1-09


RATIONALE
The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act allows the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to issue a permit authorizing a person who is permanently disabled to take game with a crossbow. It has been suggested that people who have temporary disabilities due to illness or injury also should be eligible for a crossbow permit.

CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 401 (Wildlife Conservation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow the DNR to issue a permit authorizing the taking of game with a crossbow by a person who was temporarily disabled.


MCL 324.40114

ARGUMENTS (Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)

Supporting Argument Over the years, several measures have been implemented to ensure hunting opportunities for people with permanent disabilities, including eligibility for a crossbow permit. Some people, however, become disabled as a result of injury, such as from an auto accident or through military service, but expect to recover eventually. Crossbow permit eligibility should be extended to those with temporary disabilities so that they are not prevented from participating for the duration of their condition.


Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have a minimal fiscal impact as individuals who are temporarily disabled would be allowed to purchase a crossbow permit; otherwise, they may have had to forego the hunting season altogether. Revenue from hunting licenses is deposited into the Game and Fish Protection Fund.


Fiscal Analyst: Bill Bowerman

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. sb164/0910