DISABLED HUNTING ON A GAME BIRD PRESERVE

Senate Bill 1045 (Substitute S-2)

Sponsor:  Sen. John J. Gleason

House Committee:  Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation

Senate Committee:  Outdoor Recreation and Tourism

Complete to 6-4-12

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 1045 (S-2) AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 5-30-12

The bill would amend Parts 401 (Wildlife Conservation) and 811 (Off-Road Recreation Vehicles) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to do the following on a state-licensed game bird hunting preserve with respect to persons with disabilities:

o                   Allow a person with a disability to transport or possess a firearm in a vehicle (except for a car or truck), provided the firearm is unloaded and the vehicle does not exceed ten miles per hour.

o                   Allow a person with a disability to possess a loaded firearm and discharge it from inside a vehicle to take an animal (except for a car or truck), provided the vehicle is not moving.

Individuals would be required to possess proof of his or her eligibility and provide that proof upon the request of a peace officer.

Currently under Part 401, individuals are prohibited from taking animals while in a vehicle; and from transporting or possessing a firearm in a vehicle, unless the firearm is unloaded in the barrel and magazine, and enclosed in a case or carried in the trunk.

The bill would also exempt the operator or a passenger in an ORV that is operated on a state-licensed game bird hunting preserve at a maximum of ten miles per hour from having to wear crash helmets and protective eyewear.

MCL 324.40111 et al.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no significant fiscal impact to the State of Michigan or local units of government.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Jeff Stoutenburg        

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Viola Bay Wild

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.