ALLOW SPEARFISHING IN HOUGHTON LAKE

House Bill 5452

Sponsor:  Rep. Bruce R. Rendon

Committee:  Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation

Complete to 5-15-12

A REVISED SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5452 AS INTRODUCED 3-6-12

The bill would repeal Part 485 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act in order to allow spear fishing in Houghton Lake in Roscommon County. 

Part 485 currently prohibits spear fishing in Houghton Lake.  Under the act, anyone found in violation of the prohibition and subsequently convicted faces a fine ranging from $10 to $100 and/or imprisonment of 10 to 90 days.

MCL 324.48501

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 5452 would have no significant fiscal impact on the State of Michigan or local units of government.  Under current law, a person who violates the prohibition on spearing fish in Houghton Lake may be assessed a fine in an amount between $10 and $100, in addition to possible imprisonment.  Because the bill eliminates this violation for spearing fish, the State of Michigan would no longer collect any revenue from these violations.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Jeff Stoutenburg

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Viola Bay Wild

■ 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.