REMOVE PROHIBITION AGAINST HOLDING BOTH

FUR DEALER AND BEAVER TRAPPING LICENSE

Senate Bill 759 (reported without amendment)                  (Enacted as Public Act 160 of 2014)

Sponsor:  Sen. Tom Casperson

House Committee:  Natural Resources

Senate Committee:  Outdoor Recreation and Tourism

Complete to 5-21-14

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 759 AS REPORTED FROM HOUSE COMMITTEE

The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by striking Section 42501(3), which prohibits an individual from holding both a fur dealer's license and a license to trap beaver simultaneously. The bill would then renumber the following subsections accordingly.

MCL 324.42501

BACKGROUND:

According to testimony from staff to bill sponsor Sen. Tom Casperson, the bill was introduced to remove an outdated provision which is no longer needed. Representatives from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers, and Michigan United Conservation Clubs all support the legislation. No individuals or organizations submitted cards opposing the bill, which was passed unanimously in the Senate on 3-13-14.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Senate Bill 759 would have minimal fiscal impact on the Department of Natural Resources. The department may receive additional revenues from any possible fur harvester license sales that might occur from individuals who currently possess a fur dealer’s license and might now also purchase a fur harvester license because the bill removes the prohibition of dealers harvesting beavers.  In 2013, the Department issued fur dealer licenses to 375 individuals.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Josh Roesner

                                                                                                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.