Michigan House Bill HB4508

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/4/23
• Refer: 5/4/23

Caption

Natural resources: other; Upper Peninsula natural resources commission; create. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding sec. 501b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4506'23, HB 4509'23, HB 4507'23

Impact

The formation of the Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission is intended to empower local governance over natural resources, while still operating within the framework of state law. The commission will have the authority to issue orders and adopt rules that affect only the Upper Peninsula, which could lead to tailored approaches to natural resource management that consider the unique ecological and community contexts of the area. This approach encourages local involvement and may result in more effective conservation strategies.

Summary

House Bill 4508 seeks to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451) by creating the Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission. This commission will be responsible for overseeing the management of natural resources within Michigan's Upper Peninsula, particularly focusing on rules regarding the taking of game and sport fish. The commission will consist of members appointed by the governor, with input from state legislators representing the Upper Peninsula, ensuring local representation in the decision-making process.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 4508 is likely to be its tie-bar with other legislative proposals, namely House Bills 4506, 4509, and 4507, which must also pass for this bill to take effect. This tie-bar can complicate legislative negotiations and may create disagreements among lawmakers about the implications of intertwining multiple proposals. Some stakeholders may express concerns about how this commission's authority could interact with existing state laws and regulations, particularly regarding how fishing and hunting practices are governed across different regions.