STAGGER MEMBERSHIP TERMS FOR

SNOWMOBILE & TRAILS ADVISORY COUNCIL

House Bill 5103 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Rep. Bruce R. Rendon

Committee:  Tourism

Complete to 11-12-13

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5103 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE 11-7-13

The bill would amend Part 721 (Michigan Trailways) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to stagger the terms of members of the Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Council.

The Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Council was established through Public Act 46 of 2010 to advise the DNR director and the Governor on the creation, development, operation, and maintenance of motorized and non-motorized trails.  The Council is currently made up of 11 members who are appointed by the Governor and serve four-year terms, all of which are set to expire on January 17, 2014. 

House Bill 5103 would stagger the terms of membership to reflect the following for the first Advisory Council appointed after the bill takes effect:

o                   Two members would serve for one year.

o                   Three members would serve for two years.

o                   Three members would serve for three years.

o                   Three members, at least two of whom must be members of the Equine Trailways Subcommittee, would serve for four years.

MCL 324.72110

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 5103 would have no fiscal impact on the State of Michigan or local units of government.

POSITIONS:

Michigan Department of Natural Resource supports the bill. (11-7-13)

Michigan Snowmobile Association supports the bill. (11-7-13)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION:           

Public Act 46 of 2010 established the Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Council to advise the DNR director and the Governor on the creation, development, operation, and maintenance of motorized and non-motorized trails.  The Council consists of 11 members who are appointed by the Governor and serve four-year terms, all of which are set to expire on January 17, 2014. 

The bill would stagger the terms of Council members so that, in the future, not all terms would expire at the same time.  This would help the Council retain some institutional knowledge and prevent full turnover of board members.  If enacted, the new terms would take effect for the first advisory council appointed after the bill takes effect.

For more information on the Snowmobile and Trails advisory Council, see:

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-65134_65143---,00.html

                                                                                           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.