Natural Resources and Agriculture

HB 4350 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow individuals to feed wild birds and other wildlife under specific conditions. This bill permits such feeding if it occurs within 300 feet of a residence and the total amount of feed does not exceed two gallons. It clarifies that this allowance does not apply to activities like baiting for hunting, normal agricultural practices, or feeding conducted in a way that excludes deer and elk. This aims to create limited exceptions for recreational or preventative feeding of wildlife by residents.

HB 5502 amends Michigan's wetland regulation law (MCL 324.30305) to clarify which activities in wetlands do not require state permits. It specifically allows farming, ranching, and agricultural drainage activities without permits, but only if they are part of an "established ongoing operation" (not new conversion of wetlands to farmland). The bill also adds detailed rules for minor drainage, farm roads, and utility line installation (e.g., directional drilling must keep lines at least 4 feet below soil). These changes directly affect farmers, landowners, and developers working in wetlands across Michigan.

HB 5082 amends Michigan's wetland regulations to streamline how property owners determine if their land contains wetlands. It allows landowners to formally request a wetland assessment from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) by submitting a completed form, legal description, map, and permission to access the property. EGLE must provide a written report within 60 days, detailing wetland locations, required permits, and clarifying that the assessment does not override federal or local regulations. The bill also eliminates fees for these assessments, specifies that agricultural drains or temporary water obstructions don't count as wetlands, and establishes a 3-year binding determination period if EGLE concludes an area is not wetland.

SB 1075 amends Michigan's food law to allow licensed retail food establishments to sell shell eggs through a consignment arrangement, provided the eggs come from producers with fewer than 3,000 hens and are sold directly to the store. Under this new provision, the eggs must be kept separate from other inventory, labeled with the specific farm name and contact details, and sold only in clean containers that do not feature third-party brand names. The bill also clarifies that these consignment eggs cannot be sold online or by mail order and must be packaged with a label stating they were not inspected by the state department. This legislation primarily affects small-scale egg producers and licensed grocery stores or markets that wish to offer farm-fresh eggs without going through a traditional distributor.

This bill proposes amendments to Michigan's Privately Owned Cervidae Producers Marketing Act, which regulates the sale and marketing of deer and elk by private producers. The legislation modifies several sections of the existing law to update definitions and requirements related to cervidae producers. These changes would affect individuals and businesses involved in the private production and marketing of deer and elk in Michigan. The bill aims to clarify terminology and operational standards within the current regulatory framework.