MANOOMIN; OFFICIAL NATIVE GRAIN                                                             S.B. 802:

                                                                                 SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL

                                                                                                         IN COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 802 (as introduced 1-12-22)

Sponsor:  Senator Adam Hollier

Committee:  Agriculture

Date Completed:  5-25-22

CONTENT

The bill would enact a new law to designate manoomin (Zizania palustris and Zizania aquatica), also known as Michigan wild rice, as the official native grain of Michigan. The bill states that "Manoomin is a sacred and important component to many wetlands and has a cultural significance to the indigenous people of this state".

BACKGROUND

Wild rice is a persistent annual grass that grows in the Great Lakes region and reproduces each year from seed stock deposited in previous fall seasons. The plant typically grows in shallow to moderate water depths. Called "manoomin" by the Anishinaabeg people (a group of tribes including the Ojibwe), the plant is a cultural staple for those communities.

                                                                                   Legislative Analyst:  Jeff Mann

FISCAL IMPACT

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

                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:  Cory Savino, PhD

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.