RIGHT TO HUNT AND FISH

Senate Bill 289

Sponsor:  Sen. Tom Casperson                                            (Enacted as Public Act 22 of 2013)

House Committee:  Natural Resources

Senate Committee:  Natural Resources, Environment, and Great Lakes

Complete to 4-30-13

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 289 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 4-25-13

The bill would amend Part 401 (Wildlife Conservation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to specify that the citizens of Michigan have a right to hunt, fish, and take game.

Specifically, the bill would add the following paragraph to Section 40113a:

The legislature declares that hunting, fishing, and the taking of game are a valued part of the cultural heritage of this state and should be forever preserved.  The legislature further declares that these activities play an important part in the state's economy and in the conservation, preservation, and management of the state's natural resources.  Therefore, the legislature declares that the citizens of this state have a right to hunt, fish, and take game, subject to the regulation and restrictions prescribed by subsection (2) and law.

[Subsection (2) provides the Natural Resources Commission with exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game through the use of Orders.]

MCL 324.40113a

FISCAL IMPACT:

Senate Bill 289 would have no fiscal impact on 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.