I voted YES on HB 4993. This bill amends the Natural Resources & Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) by adding sections to create a depository for the revenue generated from the $1.00 surcharge on most hunting and fishing licenses. The new entity will be called the Michigan Wildlife Management Public Education Fund (MWMPEF). The bill also addresses the approved uses of the fund. The bill also establishes the Michigan Wildlife Council as a citizen council independent of state agencies. The councils duties and responsibilities will include the direction of expending the funds in the MWMPEF. The purpose of the fund is to educate the public about the scientific benefits of wildlife management, particularly through hunting, fishing and trapping. Please note that the assessment of this $1.00 surcharge was established via HB 4668 which passed on September 10. It is my preference that there be an opt-out provision relating to the assessment of this surcharge. That being said, the collection of the fee having already been established, this bill is beneficial in that it empowers residents, hunters and fishermen by giving them a voice in the administration of this fund. The make-up of the Michigan Wildlife Council shall consist of nine members. One shall be the director of the Department of Natural Resources. Four members must have purchased a hunting or fishing license on a regular basis and at least once in the past three years. Four additional members shall represent: (1) representing an in-state local business impacted by hunting and fishing activities; (1) representing Michigan agricultural producers; (1) representing a rural area of the state substantially impacted by hunting and fishing activities; (1) with a media or marketing background that is not a DNR employee. This bill passed with a vote of 77-31.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 03:34:50 +0000