INVASIVE SPECIES: AUTUMN OLIVE                                                       H.B. 4038 (H-1):

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 4038 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative Nancy Jenkins

House Committee:  Natural Resources

Senate Committee:  Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 413 (Transgenic and Nonnative Organisms) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to do the following:

-- Designate autumn olive and a hybrid or genetically engineered variant of the species as a restricted species (whose possession, introduction, and sale are prohibited).

-- Refer to giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed as prohibited terrestrial species rather than prohibited aquatic species.

Part 413 prohibits a person from knowingly possessing a live organism that is a prohibited or restricted species, except under specific circumstances, and prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations.

MCL 324.41301                                                             Legislative Analyst:  Julie Cassidy

FISCAL IMPACT

To the extent that the additional restricted species led to increased violations of Part 413, the bill could result in costs to the courts and penal institutions, as well as civil and criminal fine revenue.

Date Completed:  6-5-14                                                     Fiscal Analyst:  John Maxwell

This 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.