ALL-SPECIES FISHING LICENSE                                                         H.B. 5002 & 5003:

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                     REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bills 5002 and 5003 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative Gary Howell (H.B. 5002)

               Representative Julie Brixie (H.B. 5003)

House Committee:  Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation

                             Ways and Means

Senate Committee:  Natural Resources

CONTENT

House Bill 5003 would amend Part 435 (Hunting and Fishing Licensing) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to do the following:

-- Allow individuals under the age of 17 to take and possess aquatic species in Michigan waters without an all-species fishing license.

-- Prescribe a $2 fee for a resident or nonresident under the age of 17 who chose to obtain an all-species fishing license.

House Bill 5002 would amend Part 435 of NREPA to exempt individuals under 17 years of age from an additional $1 fee for an all-species fishing license.

The bills are tie-barred.

MCL 324.43532a (H.B. 5002)                                         Legislative Analyst:  Dana Adams

       324.43532 (H.B. 5003)

FISCAL IMPACT

The bills would have a small, but likely positive fiscal impact on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and no fiscal impact on local units of government. The bill would create an optional youth fishing license for anglers under 17 years of age. Any increase in DNR revenue would depend upon the number of youth fishing licenses purchased in a given fiscal year. Fishing license revenue is credited to the Game and Fish Protection Fund, which, including all of its subfunds, receives revenue of about $75.0 million to $80.0 million each year. The Fund is primarily used by the DNR to manage State land for the benefit of game species.

Date Completed:  3-2-20                                                   Fiscal Analyst:  Abbey Frazier

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.