CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 401 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, which concerns wildlife conservation, to provide that the Director of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would have the exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game in this State. In making decisions regarding the taking of game, the Director would have to use principles of sound scientific management. Decisions regarding the taking of game would have to be made following a public hearing after an opportunity for public input. No commission, department, director, agency, or public official of this State, other than the Director of the DNR, would have authority under any section of the Act, or under any other provision of law, to take any action inconsistent with the bill.

The bill also contains the following legislative findings:

-- “The fish and wildlife of the state and their habitat are of paramount importance to the citizens of this state.”

-- “The sound scientific management of the fish and wildlife populations of the State, including hunting and fishing, is declared to be in the pubic interest.”

Proposed MCL 324.40113a Legislative Analyst: L. Burghardt

FISCAL IMPACT

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

Fiscal Analyst: G.Cutler

S9596\S1033sa

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.

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