DNR/NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION                                                S.B. 1280 (S-1):

                                                                                                      FLOOR SUMMARY

Senate Bill 1280 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor:  Senator Tom Casperson

Committee:  Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to:

-- Eliminate a provision designating the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) as the head of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and authorizing the Commission to establish policies for the DNR Director's guidance.

-- Require the Governor, rather than the NRC, to appoint a DNR Director.

-- Limit an individual's membership on the NRC to two four-year terms.

-- Require the NRC to meet every other month, rather than every month, and post a schedule of its meetings on the DNR's website.

-- Require the NRC to advise the DNR Director on natural resources and conservation matters.

-- Require the DNR to optimize natural resource-based economic activity and recreational opportunities on Department land.

-- Require the DNR to promote the development of the State's forestry and forest products industry and mineral extraction and use industry.

The bill also would revise provisions regarding the DNR's designation and sale of surplus State land.  The bill would require the DNR to give due regard to the variety, use, and quantity of land under its control in determining whether a sale would be in the State's best interest.   Among the one-or-more conditions that must be met, the bill would include that sale would promote the development of the State's forestry or forest products industry or mineral extraction and use industry.  In addition, the bill would prohibit the DNR from authorizing a sale if the proceeds would cause the balance of the Land Exchange Facilitation Fund to exceed $25.0 million, rather than the current limit of $2.5 million.

Also, each application, as later amended or supplemented, submitted by a private person for the purchase of surplus State land through a negotiated sale would have to be considered and acted upon by the DNR to final decision, before any other application submitted at a later date by a different private person for the purchase or exchange of the same land.

MCL 324.501 & 324.503                                                 Legislative Analyst:  Julie Cassidy

FISCAL IMPACT

Overall, the bill would likely have a neutral fiscal impact on the Department of Natural Resources.  The bill would allow sales of surplus land if the sale did not cause the balance of the Land Exchange Facilitation Fund to exceed $25.0 million.  Currently, the limit on the Fund is $2.5 million.  Any additional revenue that accrued to the Fund could be used for the purposes of purchasing land and defraying the associated costs of the DNR.

Date Completed:  10-11-12                                                    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.