DEER & ELK FEEDING; SUNSET REPEAL S.B. 446:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 446 (as introduced 9-9-15)
Committee: Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 401 (Wildlife Conservation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to eliminate a sunset on a requirement that the Natural Resources Commission issue an order concerning deer and elk feeding.
Specifically, Section 40111a of the Act requires the Commission of Natural Resources, after consultation with the Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development, to issue an order concerning deer and elk feeding in a manner provided in Section 40113a. "Deer and elk feeding" means the depositing, distributing, or tending of feed in an area frequented by wild, free-ranging white-tailed deer and elk to prevent them from starving or for recreational viewing. The term does not include: a) baiting to take game; b) the scattering of feed as the result of a normal logging or agricultural practice; or c) feeding wild birds or other wildlife if done in such a manner as to exclude deer and elk from gaining access to the feed.
Effective January 1, 2016, Section 40111a will be repealed. The bill would eliminate the sunset.
(Section 40113a grants the Natural Resources Commission the exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game, and requires the Commission, to the extent possible, to use sound scientific principles in making its decisions.)
MCL 324.40111a Legislative Analyst: Jeff Mann
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
This 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.