EXPORTATION OF MINNOWS, WIGGLERS,

AND CRAYFISH AS BAIT

House Bill 5053 (Substitute H-2)

Sponsor:  Rep. Mike Shirkey

Committee:  Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation

Complete to 2-1-12

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5053 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

The bill would amend Section 48729 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow individuals in possession of the appropriate permit to export live minnows, wigglers, or crayfish outside of Michigan.  Currently, live minnows, wigglers, and crayfish are not allowed to be transported outside of the state. 

The minnows, wigglers, and crayfish would have to have been harvested from outside of Michigan and imported into the state.  The bill would maintain the current ban on minnows, wigglers, or crayfish that are taken from Michigan waters from being exported.  The bill also requires imported minnows, wigglers and crayfish to be held separately from those take from Michigan waters.

An individual exporting minnows, wigglers, or crayfish would be required to produce documentation containing the origin of the shipment, registration or permit copies, documentation showing the shipment's destination, and any other proof that may be required by the department, upon the request of the department director or a law enforcement officer.

Additionally, the bill would remove a provision that requires minnows, wigglers, or crayfish to be preserved in liquid and bottled for fish bait.  It also would eliminate language that allows the Department of Natural Resources to limit the taking of minnows by a licensed individual for preservation for fish bait purposes to 15 or fewer days per year.

MCL 324.48729

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 5053 would have no significant fiscal impact on the Department of Natural Resources.

POSITIONS:

The Department of Natural Resources supports the bill. (1-23-12)

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Jeff Stoutenburg

                                                                                                   Fiscal Analyst:   Viola Bay Wild

■ 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.