POSSESSION OF MINNOWS FOR COMMERCIAL

PURPOSES WITHOUT A LICENSE

House Bill 6355 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Triston Cole

Committee:  Natural Resources

Complete to 11-27-18

SUMMARY:

House Bill 6355 would amend Part 487 (Sport Fishing), Subpart IV (Minnows), of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to add an exception to the general licensing requirements regarding minnows.

A license is generally needed to take, possess, or import minnows for commercial purposes or to transport or export minnows.

The bill would add an exception to allow a person to possess or transport minnows for commercial purposes without a permit or license if that person has purchased the minnows from another person that holds a permit or license to take, possess, or transport those minnows.

MCL 324.48729

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 6355 may reduce revenue for the Department of Natural Resources by providing an exemption to current minnow dealer’s license restrictions. These license fees range from $25 to $500, depending on the size and scale of the commercial operation. The extent of this potential revenue loss is uncertain, as its unclear how many persons would qualify for the exemption included in the bill. The bill would not affect local government costs or revenues.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Emily S. Smith

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Austin Scott

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