HB 5707 Michigan House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Environmental protection: permits; exemption to permitting requirements for construction of certain residential ponds; provide for. Amends secs. 30103 & 30305 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.30103 & 324.30305).

This bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to exempt the construction and maintenance of certain residential ponds from state permitting requirements. It directly affects homeowners and property owners who wish to build small, noncommercial ponds on residential or agricultural land. The key provision allows for the excavation or construction of ponds under one acre in surface area, provided they are used for residential purposes and meet specific conditions outlined in the legislation. This change removes the need for a permit for these specific residential pond projects, simplifying the process for property owners while maintaining oversight for larger or commercial water structures.

Issues: ✗ Environment

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Jul 2026

House Passage

Jun 2026

Senate Passage

Jul 2026

Governor

Introduced Mar 10, 2026 Last action Jul 1, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

Substitute (H-1) → Substitute (H-1) - 2 · 9 edits

MAJOR

The document was updated from a list of legislative bills to include the full text of House Bill 5707, which establishes exemptions from environmental permitting for specific residential pond constructions and minor drainage maintenance. This change shifts the content from a general legislative index to a specific policy proposal affecting landowners and environmental regulations.

Scope change

The bill's scope now explicitly exempts pre-existing fills, seasonal recreational structures, agricultural drains, waste treatment facilities, minor drainage maintenance, and privately owned utility cooling/storage ponds from permit requirements, provided they meet specific criteria.

EXEMPTIONS

Added exemptions for pre-existing fills and structures in waters covered by prior laws, ensuring they do not require new permits.

Added exemptions for seasonal recreational structures and reasonable beach sanding that do not unreasonably interfere with water use or flow.

Added exemptions for the maintenance of agricultural drains and legally established drains, including specific activities like sediment excavation and bank stabilization.

Added exemptions for the maintenance and operation of waste collection or treatment facilities ordered by state or federal law.

Added exemptions for minor drainage structures and facilities identified by future rules, subject to annual review by a committee.

Added exemptions for privately owned cooling or storage ponds used by public utilities, except at the interface with public waters.

Added exemptions for the annual installation of seasonal docks and mooring structures previously authorized by permit.

Added exemptions for controlled livestock access to streams for watering or crossing if built to USDA/NRCS standards.

Added exemptions for temporary drawdowns at hydroelectric projects licensed by FERC, provided state concerns are addressed in the plan.

Floor votes · House Jun 24, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jul 1, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

upper

Jul 1, 2026

Upper · Passed

PASSED BY HOUSE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

upper

Jun 24, 2026

Lower · Passed

passed; given immediate effect Roll Call #249 Yeas 63 Nays 44 Excused 0 Not Voting 3

lower

Jun 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

substitute (H-1) adopted and amended

lower

Jun 11, 2026

Committee

referred to second reading

lower

Jun 11, 2026

Lower · Passed

reported with recommendation with substitute (H-1)

lower

May 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

recommendation concurred in

lower

May 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

reported with recommendation for referral to Committee on Rules with substitute (H-1)

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Committee

referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Introduced

introduced by Representative Rep. Matthew Bierlein

lower

1 primary · 21 co-sponsors