FROGS FOR SCIENTIFIC OR COMMERCIAL USE

House Bill 5200 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Gary Howell

Committee:  Natural Resources

Complete to 10-31-17

SUMMARY:

House Bill 5200 would revise the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) by prohibiting the taking of reptiles or amphibians for commercial purposes and by removing the permit to collect frogs for scientific research, required under Section 45503, from the provisions of Part 13 (Permits).

Under current law, a person may take, trap, catch, or fish for reptiles or amphibians for commercial purposes if the person obtains an annual commercial reptile and amphibian license for a fee of $150. HB 5200 would remove the license requirement and create a full prohibition on taking, trapping, catching, or fishing for reptiles or amphibians for commercial purposes.

The bill would also remove the permit to collect frogs for scientific research from the part of NREPA that deals with permits and permitting procedures. The permit is required by Section 45503 of NREPA, which would be repealed by Senate Bill 316.

House Bill 5200 is tie-barred to Senate Bill 316, which means that HB 5200 would not be enacted unless SB 316 is enacted.

MCL 324.1301, MCL 324.48705

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would reduce permit revenue for the department by eliminating a requirement to purchase a $150 annual commercial reptile and amphibian license for individuals seeking to take, trap, catch, or fish for these animals.  The number of licenses sold and amount of revenue generated is unclear, so the extent of this revenue reduction is uncertain.  The bill would also eliminate a permit to take frogs for scientific use.  It is unlikely that the bill would affect departmental costs beyond whatever administrative savings may be realized through the elimination of an existing licensure requirement.  The bill would not affect costs nor revenues for local units of government.

                                                                                         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.