MINNOWS, WIGGLERS, & CRAYFISH                                                       H.B. 6355 (H-1):

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 6355 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative Triston Cole

House Committee:  Natural Resources

Senate Committee:  Outdoor Recreation and Tourism

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow a person who operated as a charter fishing guide to transport and possess minnows, wigglers, and crayfish under certain circumstances

Specifically, the bill would allow a person who operated as a charter fishing guide on the Great Lakes or the inland waters of the State to transport and possess minnows, wigglers, and crayfish for exclusive use by their clients as bait while on a fishing trip without an additional permit or license if that person had purchased the minnows, wigglers, or crayfish from a wholesale or retail outlet that held a permit or license as provided in the Act.

Additionally, a person who operated as a charter fishing guide and purchased and provided live minnows, wigglers, or crayfish to their clients would have to retain a receipt showing the quantity purchased and the wholesale or retail establishment the minnows, wigglers, or crayfish were purchased from, and present it upon request of a peace officer until the person no longer possessed them. A person who operated as a charter fishing guide could not sell or furnish minnows, wigglers, or crayfish for any other purpose other than the context described in the bill without first procuring a license provided in the Act.

MCL 324.48729                                                         Legislative Analyst:  Tyler VanHuyse

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed:  12-17-18                                                    Fiscal Analyst:  Josh Sefton

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.