HOUSE BILL NO. 6220

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled

"Natural resources and environmental protection act,"

(MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding section 63225.

the people of the state of michigan enact:

Sec. 63225. (1) As used in this section, "mining", notwithstanding section 63201, means mining as regulated by this part, part 631, or part 634.

(2) The mining advisory committee is created in the department.

(3) The director shall appoint the members of the advisory committee. The advisory committee must consist of the following members:

(a) Six individuals having knowledge of mining.

(b) Two individuals representing the general public.

(4) The director shall appoint the first members of the advisory committee within 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section.

(5) Of the first members, the director shall appoint 2 to 1-year terms, 2 to 2-year terms, 2 to 3-year terms, and 2 to 4-year terms. After the first appointments, the term of a member of the advisory committee is 4 years or until a successor is appointed under subsection (3), whichever is later.

(6) If a vacancy occurs on the advisory committee, the director shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy for the balance of the term. The director may remove a member of the advisory committee for incompetence, dereliction of duty, malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office, or any other good cause.

(7) The director shall call the first meeting of the advisory committee. At the first meeting, the advisory committee shall elect a member as a chairperson and may elect other officers that it considers appropriate. The advisory committee shall meet at least quarterly, or more frequently at the call of the chairperson or at the request of 2 or more members.

(8) A majority of the members of the advisory committee constitute a quorum for transacting business. A vote in favor by a majority of the members of the advisory committee serving is required for any action of the advisory committee.

(9) The advisory committee shall conduct its business in compliance with the open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275. A writing that is prepared, owned, used, possessed, or retained by the advisory committee in performing an official function is subject to the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.

(10) A member of the advisory committee is not entitled to compensation for service on the advisory committee, but the department may reimburse a member for actual and necessary expenses incurred in serving.

(11) The advisory committee shall advise the department on matters pertaining to mining, including the reclamation of mining areas.