DISCOUNT NONRESIDENT HUNTING LICENSES S.B. 366 & 367:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bills 366 & 367 (as introduced 6-11-19)
Sponsor: Senator Curtis S. VanderWall
CONTENT
Senate Bill 366 would amend Part 435 (Hunting and Fishing Licensing) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to define "qualified nonresident", and to allow a qualified nonresident to purchase the following hunting and fishing licenses at 50% of the cost of nonresident licenses:
-- A base license that authorizes the individual to hunt for small game, except for animals or birds that require a separate license.
-- A combination hunt and fish license.
Senate Bill 367 would amend Part 435 (Hunting and Fishing Licensing) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow a qualified nonresident to purchase the following hunting and fishing licenses at 50% of the cost of nonresident licenses:
-- An additional deer license or antlerless deer license.
-- A wolf hunting license.
-- An all-species fishing license.
The bills are tie-barred, and each would take effect 90 days after enactment.
Senate Bill 366
Base License, Qualified Nonresident
Except as otherwise provided in Part 435, an individual is prohibited from hunting small game, unless he or she possesses a current base license. A base license authorizes the individual to hunt for small game, except for animals or birds that require a special license. The fee for a base license is as follows:
-- For a resident: $10.
-- For a resident minor child or nonresident minor child: $5.
-- For a nonresident: $150.
Under the bill, the base license fee would be $75 for a qualified nonresident. "Qualified nonresident" would mean any of the following:
-- A nonresident who owns land in the State.
-- A nonresident who signs an affidavit that includes a statement that the individual previously lived in the State.
-- A nonresident who previously possessed a resident hunting license in this State or possessed a certification of completion of training in hunter safety issued to the individual by the State.
A nonresident may purchase a limited nonresident small game license entitling him or her to hunt for a seven-day period all species of small game that are available to hunt under a nonresident base license. The fee for a limited nonresident small game license is $80. Under the bill, for a qualified nonresident, the fee would be $40.
Qualified Nonresident Combination Hunt & Fish License
The fee for a nonresident combination hunt and fish license is $265, and includes all of the privileges conferred by the following: a) nonresident base license, b) two deer licenses, and c) all-species fishing license. Under the bill, for a qualified nonresident, the fee for a nonresident combination license hunt and fish license would be $132.50, and would include the same privileges.
Senate Bill 367
Qualified Nonresident Deer License
Under Part 435, only an individual holding a valid base license is eligible to purchase a deer or antlerless deer license. The fee for a deer or antlerless deer license is $20. The Act allows a resident, where authorized by the Department of Natural Resources, to purchase a second deer license for the fee for which the individual is eligible. Where authorized, a nonresident may purchase an additional deer license or antlerless deer license for $170. The bill would allow a qualified nonresident to purchase an additional deer license or antlerless deer license for $85.
Wolf Hunting License
The Act prohibits an individual from hunting wolf without a wolf hunting license, and only an individual holding a valid base license is eligible to purchase a wolf hunting license. The fee for a resident wolf hunting license is $100, and for a nonresident wolf hunting license the fee is $500. Under the bill, for a qualified nonresident, the fee for a nonresident wolf hunting license would be $250.
Fishing License
An all-species fishing license entitles the licensee to take and possess all aquatic species. An individual 17 years old or older is prohibited from taking or possessing an aquatic species, except aquatic insects, without a license. The fee for a resident all-species fishing license is $25, and the fee for a nonresident all-species fishing license is $75. Under the bill, a nonresident all-species fishing license would be $68. For a qualified nonresident, the fee for a nonresident all-species fishing license would be $37.50.
MCL 324.43504 et al. (S.B. 366) Legislative Analyst: Nathan Leaman
324.43527a et al. (S.B. 367)
FISCAL IMPACT
The bills would have a negative fiscal impact on the State and no impact on local government.
The establishment of a qualified nonresident hunting and fishing license fee structure at rates 50% below current costs for a nonresident hunting and fishing license would reduce revenue received by the Department on an ongoing basis. Depending on the number of license holders that met the criteria for a qualified nonresident, the Department estimates that Senate Bill 366 could result in a loss between $500,000 to $1.9 million in annual revenue and Senate Bill 367 could result in a loss between $1.0 million and $2.8 million, for a total estimated loss in revenue between $1.5 million and $4.7 million annually.
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.