GEM OF THE PARKS AWARD S.B. 1281 (S-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS
Senate Bill 1281 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Senator Tony Stamas
Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 741 (State Parks System) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create a "Gem of the Parks" award to recognize key State parks for their contribution to the State parks system, a "Volunteer of the Year" award to recognize outstanding individuals who donated time or money to the system, and an "Employee of the Year" award to recognize outstanding employees of the State parks system.
The DNR would have to develop a program to facilitate the determination and presentation of the awards, which would have to be made annually. The Department also would have to develop a set of standards to use in determining the recipients of the awards, with consideration given to the following:
-- The contribution of the State park, volunteer, or employee to the preservation of the State's natural resources.
-- The amount of any monetary donation.
-- The length of time donated or the years of employment.
-- The length of a long-term commitment to the preservation of the environment.
Annually, the Department would have to submit the names of the award recipients to the standing committees in the Senate and House responsible for natural resources matters.
Proposed MCL 324.74124 Legislative Analyst: Claire Layman
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 6-15-04 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. sb1281/0304