DUCKS UNLIMITED PLATE S.B. 286:
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 286 (as introduced 2-28-08)
Sponsor: Senator Bruce Patterson
Committee: Transportation
Date Completed: 12-1-08
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to do the following:
-- Increase the limit on State-sponsored fund-raising license plates from eight to nine.
-- Require the Secretary of State (SOS) to develop a fund-raising plate and collector plate recognizing Ducks Unlimited, and permit the SOS to issue those plates.
-- Create the "Ducks Unlimited Fund" and require donations for those plates to be deposited into the Fund.
The Code allows the SOS, at one time, to develop up to eight State-sponsored fund-raising registration plates and matching State-sponsored collector plates. The bill would increase that limit to nine different plates.
Under the bill, the SOS would have to develop and could issue a fund-raising plate and collector plate recognizing Ducks Unlimited. The words "Ducks Unlimited" would have to be inscribed on the plate. The SOS would have to transfer fund-raising donations for the plates to the State Treasurer.
The bill would create the Ducks Unlimited Fund within the State Treasury. The State Treasurer would have to credit the donation money received under the bill to that Fund, and disburse money in the Fund on a quarterly basis to the Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Incorporated. The money credited to that organization could be used only to protect, enhance, restore, manage, and acquire wetlands and associated uplands in the State.
The Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited would have to report annually to the Department of Treasury an accounting of money received and used under the bill.
The State Treasurer could receive money or other assets from any source for deposit into the Fund. The Treasurer would have to direct the investment of the fund and credit to it interest and earnings from Fund investments. Money in the Fund at the close of the fiscal year would have to remain in the Fund and not lapse into the State General Fund.
MCL 257.811e et al.
BACKGROUND
Ducks Unlimited, Incorporated is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of wetlands. Originally focused on preserving Canadian habitat for waterfowl, the organization has expanded to include chapters throughout North America. According to its websites, as of January 1, 2008, Ducks Unlimited had conserved about 12.3 million acres of wetlands and waterfowl habitat in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, including over 50,000 acres in Michigan. The Michigan Chapter has over 28,000 members, and the organization has identified the Great Lakes system as a priority area for wetland and waterfowl conservation.
Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would create a start-up cost to the Department of State. The start-up fee of $15,000 prescribed in the Code could be paid to the Department of State from the Ducks Unlimited Fund proposed in the bill; however, the bill does not include such a requirement. The revenue generated from the fund-raising license plate established under the bill would be deposited into the proposed Ducks Unlimited Fund, after which the State Treasurer would disburse payments from the Fund on a quarterly basis to the Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
The bill would have no fiscal impact on local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco
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. 286/0708