REPEAL OF FROG KILLING BAN S.B. 316:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 316 (as introduced 4-25-17)
Sponsor: Senator Darwin L. Booher
CONTENT
The bill would repeal a section of Part 455 (Frogs) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, that prohibits taking or killing frogs during certain times of the year or spearing frogs with the aid of an artificial light.
Under Section 45501, a person is prohibited from killing or taking any species of frogs in the State from November 16 in any year until the Friday before the opening of black bass season the following year. Section 45501 also prohibits a person from spearing a frog with the aid of an artificial light at any time.
A violation of Part 455 is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for up to 90 days, or a fine of up to $50 plus the costs of prosecution, or both.
The bill would repeal the Section 45501.
MCL 324.45501 Legislative Analyst: Nathan Leaman
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State and could potentially have a positive fiscal impact on local government. It is not known how many future violations would be avoided by repealing the ban, but any reduction in misdemeanor arrests and convictions could reduce resource demands on law enforcement, court systems, community supervision, and jails. Any associated decrease in fine revenue would reduce funding to public libraries.
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.