GAME PERMIT: DAMAGE & DISEASE CONTROL                                          H.B. 5702 (H-1):

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 5702 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative Jon Bumstead

House Committee:  Natural Resources

Senate Committee:  Natural Resources

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 401 (Wildlife Conservation) to allow the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) to issue permits authorizing the taking of animals to prevent or control disease, and provide that the taking of animals pursuant to certain permits issued by the NRC would not be considered hunting.

Under Part 401, the NRC may issue permits authorizing the taking of animals to prevent or control damage and nuisance caused by the animals. The bill would refer to damage to crops or feed, and would include in this provision the taking of animals to prevent or control disease.

Part 401 also allows the NRC to issue permits authorizing the following:

-- The taking or possession of animals for the purpose of rehabilitating them.

-- The collection, transportation, possession, or disposition of animals and animal parts for scientific purposes.

-- The public exhibition of animals.

-- Taxidermy.

-- The disposition of accidentally or unlawfully taken or injured animals or animals that are unlawfully possessed.

-- The taking or possession of raptors for falconry purposes.

The bill provides that the taking of animals pursuant to any of these permits, including one for the prevention or control of damage, disease, or nuisance, would not be considered hunting.

MCL 324.40114                                                             Legislative Analyst:  Julie Cassidy

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed:  12-7-16                                                     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.