WATER USE ADVISORY COUNCIL                                                                   H.B. 6123:

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 6123 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative Scott VanSingel

House Committee:  Natural Resources

Senate Committee:  Natural Resources

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 328 (Aquifer Protection) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to do the following:

-- Rename the Water Resources Conservation Advisory Council as the "Water Use Advisory Council".

-- Revise the membership of the Council, including the appointment and terms of members.

-- Allow the Council to appoint technical advisors with specific scientific, technical, legal, and similar expertise relevant to the Council's responsibilities.

-- Delete certain provisions specifying the Council's responsibilities.

-- Require the Council to make certain recommendations to the Department of Environmental Qualify, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Legislature regarding the implementation of Part 327 (Great Lakes Preservation) of NREPA.

-- Require the Council include in its report to the Legislature recommendations on the staffing, budgetary, software, and other resources required by the departments to successfully implement Part 327, and require the report to be provided to the Legislature every two years.

MCL 324.32801 & 324.32803                                       Legislative Analyst:  Nathan Leaman

FISCAL IMPACT

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

Date Completed:  12-17-18                                                    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.