NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SITES                                                      S.B. 523 (S-2):

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 523 (Substitute S-2 as reported)

Sponsor:  Senator Wayne Schmidt

Committee:  Outdoor Recreation and Tourism

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 721 (Michigan Trailways) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to provide signage and recognition of places significant to the history of Native Americans, including places significant to that history along trails in the Statewide Trail Network, as provided in Section 72117 (which the bill would add).

Section 72117 would require the DNR to work collaboratively with tribal governments, educators, universities, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, Travel Michigan, the State Historic Preservation Office, the State Archaeologist, the Michigan Historical Commission, and historical societies to do all of the following:

-- Review and implement a master plan to promote and preserve the history of Native Americans in the State.

-- In conjunction with State and Federal authorities, sponsor events on Native American history in Michigan and neighboring states.

-- Assist and promote the making of applications for inclusion in the National Register of Historical Places and for Michigan historical markers for places significant to the history of Native Americans in the State.

-- Assist and develop partnerships to seek public and private funds to carry out activities to protect and promote awareness of Native American cultural heritage in Michigan.

-- Promote the signage and recognition of places significant to the history of Native Americans, including places significant to that history along the Statewide Trail Network.

The bill also would require the DNR to issue an annual report to the Governor and both houses of the Legislature on its activities under Section 72117 in the prior calendar year.

MCL 324.72114 et al.                                                        Legislative Analyst:  Jeff Mann

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have a minor, but negative fiscal impact on the Department of Natural Resources, and no fiscal impact on local units of government. The DNR would incur some costs associated with creating a master plan to promote and preserve the history of Native Americans, sponsoring events, and performing other promotional activities required under the bill. To the extent that the DNR already engages in these or similar activities, the costs could be mitigated. Additionally, the bill would require an annual report on the DNR's activities under the bill, which would create additional, likely minor, costs.

Date Completed:  12-11-15                                                     Fiscal Analyst: Josh Sefton

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.