ALLOW HUNTING FROM PERSONAL

ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICE

House Bill 4239 (Substitute H-1)

Sponsor:  Rep. Charles Smiley

Committee:  Tourism and Outdoor Recreation

Complete to 4-22-15

SUMMARY:

Under Section 41104 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, the Department of Natural Resources can issue a permit to allow an individual who is unable to walk to hunt from a standing vehicle.

Under House Bill 4239, an individual with a valid permit to hunt from a standing vehicle could possess a loaded firearm on a personal assistive mobility device if the action or cylinder is open, and could discharge the firearm to take game from the mobility device if both of the following requirements are met:

o   The personal assistive mobility device is be moving.

o   The individual holds a valid base license and any other necessary license, and comply with all other laws and rules for the taking of game.

A personal assistive mobility device is defined as "any device, including, but not limited to, one that is battery-powered, that is designed solely for use by an individual with mobility impairment for locomotion and is considered an extension of the individual."

The substitute version of the bill also contains an amendment to a provision on the transport of bows.  Currently, that provision says that an individual cannot transport or possess a bow in or upon a vehicle unless the bow is unstrung, enclosed in a case, or carried in the trunk of a vehicle.  House Bill 4239 (H-1) would add the words "or crossbow," making the provision apply to both bows and crossbows.

The bill would take effect 90 days after being enacted into law.

MCL 324.40111

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4239 would not have a significant fiscal impact on the Department of Natural Resources.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Josh Roesner/C. Couch

                                                                                                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.