INDIVIDUALS YOUNGER THAN 17 YEARS OF AGE:

FISHING LICENSE OPTIONS AND FEES

House Bill 5002 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Gary Howell

House Bill 5003 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Julie Brixie

Committee:  Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation

Revised 1-14-20

SUMMARY:

House Bills 5002 and 5003 would amend Part 435 (Hunting and Fishing Licensing) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to exempt children under 17 from the requirement to purchase an all-species fishing license.

Section 43532 of NREPA currently requires individuals who are 17 years of age or older to purchase an all-species fishing license to take or possess aquatic species in Michigan waters. The fees are $25 for Michigan residents and $75 for nonresidents. Additionally, section 43532a requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to charge an additional $1 for certain licenses, including all-species fishing licenses, for the Michigan Wildlife Council created in section 43532b.

House Bill 5003 would amend section 43532 to allow individuals younger than 17 years old to take and possess aquatic species in Michigan waters without an all-species fishing license. However, individuals younger than 17 could still purchase an all-species fishing license for $2.

House Bill 5002 would amend section 43532a to exempt individuals younger than 17 from the additional fee requirement.

The bills are tie-barred to one another, which means that neither can take effect unless both are enacted.

MCL 324.43532 (HB 5003) and MCL 324.43532a (HB 5002)

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bills 5002 and 5003 provide for a potential revenue increase for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by creating an optional youth fishing license for anglers under 17 years of age. The extent of this potential revenue increase depends on the number of youth anglers who choose to purchase this optional license in a given fiscal year. The sale of hunting and fishing licenses generated a combined $60.5 million in revenue in                 FY 2018-19. This revenue is deposited to the Game and Fish Protection Fund, which primarily supports wildlife and fisheries programs as well as DNR law enforcement. The bills are unlikely to affect local government costs or revenues.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Emily S. Smith

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Austin Scott

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