S.B. 982 (S-1): COMMITTEE SUMMARY - CONSERVATION OFFICERS' EXPERIENCE

Senate Bill 982 (Substitute S-1)

Committee: Hunting, Fishing and Forestry

Date Completed: 3-20-98

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 16 (Enforcement of Laws for Protection of Wild Birds, Wild Animals, and Fish) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require conservation officers to have five years of hunting and fishing experience before carrying a firearm to carry out duties or enforcing a law regulating the taking of fish and game.

Currently, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and appointed conservation officers, trained and certified under the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Training Council Act, are peace officers vested with all the powers, privileges, prerogatives, and immunities conferred upon peace officers by general State laws. They have the same power to serve criminal processes, require aid in executing process, and qualify for the same fees as sheriffs.

Further, the Act specifies that the DNR and any officer appointed by the Department must do the following: enforce the State statutes and laws for the protection, propagation, or preservation of wild birds, wild animals, and fish; enforce all other State laws that pertain to the powers and duties of the DNR or Natural Resources Commission; and bring or prosecute actions and proceedings in the name of the people of the State for the purpose of punishing any person for violating statute or laws described in the Act.

MCL 324.1606 - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata

FISCAL IMPACT

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

- Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutler

S9798\S982SB

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.