REQUIRE BIODEGRADABLE LIVE BAIT CONTAINERS

House Bill 5107

Sponsor:  Rep. Brian Calley

Committee:  Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, and Natural Resources

Complete to 2-15-08

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5107 AS INTRODUCED 8-21-07

Part 163 (Plastic Degradable Containers) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) currently bans the sale in Michigan of plastic rings of the type that that hold beer or soda six packs together unless they are degradable and so marked with a distinguishing symbol.  The bill would likewise ban the sale in Michigan of disposal live fishing bait containers in Michigan unless they are degradable and so marked. 

In addition, the law currently requires manufacturers of degradable plastic rings to comply with certain requirements before selling their devices in Michigan.  The bill would extend these requirements to the manufacturers of disposable bait containers.  A manufacturer of the plastic rings or disposable bait containers would have to do the following before selling or offering for sale their devices in Michigan:

·                    Register the distinguishing symbol that indicates that the rings or bait containers are degradable with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

·                    Provide the DEQ with a sample of the rings or bait containers.  (Currently, a sample is not required unless requested by the DEQ.)

·                    Provide the DEQ with test data showing degradability, if requested by the DEQ.   (Currently test data must be provided "as required by [Part 163].") 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would not have a fiscal impact on the state or local governmental units. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kirk Lindquist

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.