DNR LAND USE RULES - S.B. 979 (S-2): FLOOR ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 979 (Substitute S-2 as reported)

Sponsor: Senator Glenn D. Steil

Committee: Hunting, Fishing and Forestry

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to specify that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) could not prohibit hunting or vehicle use on lands under its control by rule or order unless a day camp was established on the land or the closure was specifically authorized by law.

The bill also specifies that a rule or order that prohibited hunting or vehicle use on land under the DNR's control would have to expire not later than four years after the effective date of the rule or order. If the rule or order, however, were in effect on the bill's effective date, then it would have to expire not later than four years after the bill's effective date. The bill's provision would not apply to land designated as commercial forest under Part 511 (Commercial Forests) of the NREPA. ("Commercial forest" means forestland that is determined to be a commercial forest. To be eligible, a forestland must produce at least 20 cubic feet per acre per year of forest growth, tree species that have economic or commercial value, and commercial stand of timber within a reasonable period of time.)

Under the Act, the DNR must do the following:

-- Promulgate rules for the protection of its lands and property against wrongful use or occupancy; to ensure the intention to carry out the Act's provision to protect the lands and property from depredations; and to preserve the lands and property from molestations, spoilation, destruction, or any other improper use or occupancy.

-- Issue orders necessary to implement rules promulgated under the Act's provision.

A person who violates a rule promulgated under this provision or an order issued under it is responsible for a State civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a fine of up to $500.

MCL 324.504 - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata

FISCAL IMPACT

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

Date Completed: 3-25-98 - Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutler

floor\sb979 (S-2) - Analysis available @ http://www.michiganlegislature.org

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.