SPECIAL WATERCRAFT RULES H.B. 4145:
FLOOR SUMMARY
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House Bill 4145 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Representative Goeff Hansen
House Committee: Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources
Senate Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
CONTENT
The bill would the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to eliminate a June 26, 2009, sunset on Section 80110, which does the following:
-- Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to initiate investigations and inquiries into the need for special rules for the use of various watercraft on any waters of the State to assure compatibility of uses and to protect public safety.
-- Requires the DNR to initiate an investigation and inquiry into whether special watercraft rules are needed on a particular body of water, after receiving a political subdivision's resolution requesting assistance.
-- Prescribes specific factors that the DNR must consider in its investigation and inquiry.
-- Requires the DNR to prepare a preliminary report containing its recommendations on the need for special rules and schedule a public hearing on the report.
-- Requires the DNR to propose a local ordinance or changes to an ordinance if it determines, after the hearing, that special rules are needed.
-- Requires the DNR to notify the political subdivision of the Department's reasons for determining that special rules are not needed.
-- Allows a political subdivision to appeal a determination by the DNR that special rules are not needed to the Natural Resources Commission.
MCL 324.80110 Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy
FISCAL IMPACT
The Department of Natural Resources handles approximately 12 requests from local governments each year. Before the current provisions were enacted, the Department was involved through the administrative rules process.
Date Completed: 5-13-09 Fiscal Analyst: Bill Bowerman
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. hb4145/0910