HUNTING/FISHING LICENSE DISCOUNTS S.B. 349 (S-1): COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 349 (Substitute S-1)
Sponsor: Senator Jim Barcia
Committee: Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation


Date Completed: 3-25-09

CONTENT The bill would amend Part 435 (Hunting and Fishing Licensing) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to revise provisions concerning discounts on hunting and fishing license fees.

Under Part 435, the Department of Natural Resources may discount the price of a license up to 15% for marketing purposes to increase participation in hunting and fishing activities. Additionally, the price of the anterless deer license may be reduced or eliminated in specific areas to help achieve the harvest of anterless deer. If a person purchases four or more licenses for the same person at the same time, a sportsperson discount of 15% must be provided. Waterfowl hunting licenses and limited fishing licenses are not eligible for the sportsperson discount.


The bill would delete the provisions regarding the antlerless deer license and sportsperson discount, as well as the 15% limit on a discount offered for marketing purposes. Under the bill, the price of any license or application fee could be discounted or eliminated to achieve a harvest or management objective for that species.


MCL 324.43521 Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy

FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on the State. An increase in license discounts or temporary elimination of the fee for harvest-management purposes would result in a loss to the Game and Fish Protection Fund, which receives the revenue from hunting and fishing licenses fees. However, a change in discount practices would not be required by the bill.

Fiscal Analyst: Jessica Runnels

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. sb349/0910