IMPROPER CERVID CARCASS IMPORTATION                                             H.B. 4424 (H-1):

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 4424 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative John Kivela

House Committee:  Natural Resources

Senate Committee:  Natural Resources

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 401 (Wildlife Conservation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to prohibit the importation of a cervid carcass or parts of a cervid carcass into Michigan from outside the State, and specify the penalty for violating the prohibition.

The importation of the following cervid carcass parts would not constitute a violation: hides, deboned meat, quarters or other parts of a cervid that do not have any part of the spinal column or head attached, finished taxidermy products, cleaned teeth, antlers, or antlers attached to a skullcap cleaned of brain and muscle tissue.

The bill specifies that a violation of Part 401 or an order or interim order issued under it regarding the importation of a cervid carcass or parts of a cervid carcass from another state or province would be a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 90 days, or a fine of at least $500 but not more than $2,000, or both, as well as the costs of prosecution.

(A cervid is any mammal of the deer family.)

MCL 324.40118                                                        Legislative Analyst:  Nathan Leaman

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State and could have a small negative fiscal impact on local government. Any increase in misdemeanor arrests and convictions could increase resource demands on law enforcement, court systems, and community supervision. Any associated increase in fine revenue would increase funding to public libraries.

Date Completed:  5-24-17                                                    Fiscal Analyst:  Ryan Bergan

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.