PENALTY FOR CAMPING VIOLATION H.B. 4710:
SUMMARY OF HOUSE-PASSED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
House Bill 4710 (as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Andrea LaFontaine
House Committee: Criminal Justice
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to make a violation of Part 742 (Camp Registration Cards) a State civil infraction rather than a misdemeanor, and increase the fine for a violation.
Part 742 prohibits a person from camping on any State-owned land under the jurisdiction or control of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) without having posted a camp registration card. Upon breaking camp, every member of the camping party is responsible for the disposal of all rubbish, papers, cans, containers, or any other article brought into or built upon the premises.
A person who violates Part 742 is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days' imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of $100, plus costs of prosecution. Under the bill, a person who violated Part 742 instead would be responsible for a State civil infraction and could be ordered to pay a civil fine of up to $500.
The bill would retain a provision making a violator liable for any costs incurred by the DNR in cleaning up the person's campsite.
The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.
MCL 324.74206 Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill could have offsetting fiscal impacts on State and local government. As the offense would be changed from a misdemeanor to a State civil infraction, there would be a reduction in the amount of assessments to the Justice System Fund. As the violation would no longer be criminally prosecuted, the local court systems, jails, and law enforcement could save funds. Fine revenue would continue to be dedicated to public libraries, and could be increased.
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.