Natural Resources and Tourism

Michigan House Bill 6310 amends state watercraft laws to allow local governments to request temporary "no wake" or reduced speed zones year-round, rather than limiting these orders to the summer season. The bill permits county emergency management coordinators or sheriffs to establish these temporary limits for up to 14 days at a time to protect life and property during emergencies, with fines capped at $500 for repeat violations. It also clarifies that vessel operators must maintain slow speeds within 100 feet of shorelines where water depth is less than three feet, while allowing the governor to impose restricted wake zones during declared state disasters.

This bill updates Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify definitions and procedures for commercial fishing in the state's Great Lakes waters. It directly affects licensed commercial fishermen, fish dealers, and the Department of Natural Resources by establishing precise meanings for terms like "abandoned gear," "quota," and various types of fishing nets. The legislation also adds new definitions to improve record-keeping requirements for fish production, storage, and sale, ensuring that all commercial activities are clearly regulated. By amending multiple existing sections and adding a new one, the bill aims to provide a more structured framework for managing allowable catch limits and enforcing fishing privileges.

Michigan House Bill 6242 establishes a new permit system for using barrels to bait bears, requiring hunters to obtain an annual bear bait barrel permit for a $30 fee. The bill limits each permit holder to using up to three steel barrels, which must be bolt-secured, anchored to the ground, and equipped with specific small openings to prevent unauthorized access. These barrels must display the permit or the owner's information and are required to be removed within 30 days after the end of bear season. The legislation also grants the state department authority to create additional rules governing the placement and maintenance of these baiting sites.

HB 5485 updates Michigan's dam safety regulations for inland lakes by revising definitions and adding new sections to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The bill directly affects dam owners, operators, and the state agency responsible for dam safety oversight. Key changes include updated terms like "spillway capacity" and "emergency action plan," alongside new regulatory sections (e.g., 31506a, 31509a) to modernize safety standards. These amendments clarify requirements for dam maintenance, flood management, and structural integrity without altering existing enforcement procedures.

This bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to establish a formal framework for the recycling and end-of-life management of single-use and rechargeable batteries. It creates new legal definitions for key terms such as "covered battery," "producer," and "stewardship organization" to clarify which products and companies are subject to the new regulations. The legislation outlines requirements for producers to participate in battery recycling programs that meet specific collection and recycling efficiency goals. Additionally, it defines the roles and responsibilities of battery recyclers and collection sites to ensure proper handling of batteries sold or distributed in the state.