LAKE TROUT RULES; RESCIND                                                                       S.B. 1145:

                                                                                  SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL

                                                                                                         IN COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 1145 (as introduced 11-8-18)

Sponsor:  Senator Tom Casperson

Committee:  Natural Resources

Date Completed:  11-26-18

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to rescind Rules 299.771 and 299.791 of the Michigan Administrative Code, which generally prohibit the taking of Lake Trout from Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, respectively.

Under Rules 299.771 and 299.791 of the Administrative Code, lake trout may not be taken from Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, respectively, at any time, except as provided by the Michigan sports fishing law (which was repealed and reenacted within the Act) and by the Director of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for scientific or cultural purposes. The bill would rescind those rules.

The bill also would repeal Section 46701 of the Act. (Section 46701 allows the DNR to suspend, extend, or modify any State law governing commercial fishing when, in its opinion, that action is necessary for the better protection, preservation, maintenance, and harvesting of fish.)

MCL 324.47305                                                        Legislative Analyst:  Nathan Leaman

FISCAL IMPACT

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

                                                                                        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.