S.B. 1057: COMMITTEE SUMMARY - FISHING LICENSE WAIVER

Senate Bill 1057 (as introduced 4-21-98)

Committee: Hunting, Fishing and Forestry

Date Completed: 4-22-98

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 435 (Hunting and Fishing Licensing) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow a person to fish at any time without a license or permit if the person were participating in a fishing derby conducted by an entity described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (e.g., a nonprofit charitable corporation) and approved by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Under the Act, the DNR may designate one day or two consecutive days each year as free fishing days, during which a resident or nonresident may fish for all species of fish in all State waters designated by the DNR without purchasing a license or permit. A person who fishes during the free fishing days has the same privileges as a holder of a limited fishing license issued under the Act.

Currently, a holder of a limited fishing license is entitled to take all aquatic species as prescribed by law. "Aquatic species" means any fish, reptile, amphibian, mollusk, aquatic insect, or crustacea or part thereof.

MCL 324.43534 - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would result in an indeterminate decrease in license revenues, dependant on the number and popularity of fishing derbies. The bill would have no fiscal impact on local government.

- Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutler

S9798\S1057SA

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.