Environment (Wildlife)

passed both · Michigan · House Jun 10, 2026

HB 5536: Natural resources: wetlands; definition of wetland; update. Amends secs. 30301, 30307 & 30308 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.30301 et seq.).

HB 5536 updates Michigan's legal definition of "wetland" under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. It expands the definition to include features that are contiguous to the Great Lakes, over 5 acres in size, contain endangered species, or are designated as rare wetland types (like Great Lakes marshes or coastal fens). This change directly affects landowners, developers, and conservation groups by altering which areas require environmental review or mitigation for development. The bill also clarifies terms like "altered wetland" and "voluntary restoration projects" to guide land management practices.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands wetland definition to include Great Lakes areas, endangered species habitats, and rare wetlands, requiring environmental reviews and strengthening protections under the Natural Resources Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · Michigan · House Mar 12, 2025

HB 4191: Natural resources: hunting; deer baiting license; provide for. Amends secs. 40102 & 40111a of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.40102 & 324.40111a).

HB 4191 requires hunters who bait deer during hunting season to purchase a $20 deer baiting license in addition to a valid hunting license. This applies specifically to those engaging in "deer or elk baiting" (depositing feed to attract deer for hunting), excluding agricultural practices, normal logging, or feeding wildlife that excludes deer. Revenue from the license must fund research and surveillance of chronic wasting disease and other wildlife diseases in deer and elk. The bill amends Michigan’s Natural Resources Act to establish this licensing requirement and funding mechanism.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates $20 tax specifically to fund chronic wasting disease research, directly allocating new revenue to a state wildlife program.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds chronic wasting disease research and surveillance to protect deer populations, directly supporting natural resource conservation and wildlife management objectives.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Wildlife

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in committee · Michigan · House Aug 21, 2025

HB 4784: Natural resources: other; authority to make certain decisions regarding game in the Upper Peninsula; grant to the Upper Peninsula natural resources commission. Amends secs. 40110, 40110a, 40110b & 40113a of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.40110 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4785'25, HB 4786'25, HB 4783'25

HB 4784 gives Michigan's Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission (UP Commission) new authority to manage wildlife specifically in the Upper Peninsula. It authorizes the UP Commission to establish the first hunting seasons for moose and wolves in the region, while requiring all decisions to follow scientific wildlife management principles. The bill also grants the UP Commission exclusive authority over game species that primarily affect the Upper Peninsula or have minimal impact outside the region. This change directly affects the UP Commission's management decisions, hunters pursuing moose or wolves in the UP, and wildlife conservation efforts focused on the Upper Peninsula. The law mandates public hearings and scientific review before implementing hunting regulations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes science-based wildlife management for conservation, aligning with natural resource protection principles in the Upper Peninsula.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · Michigan · House Aug 21, 2025

HB 4785: Natural resources: other; Upper Peninsula natural resources commission; create. Amends secs. 301, 40102 & 40103 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.301 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4784'25, HB 4786'25, HB 4783'25

HB 4785 creates the Upper Peninsula natural resources commission (UP commission) by amending Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to define it as a new entity. The bill also amends section 40102 to authorize the UP commission to issue orders regarding deer or elk feeding, a specific wildlife management issue. This commission will provide a regional decision-making body for natural resource matters in the Upper Peninsula, particularly concerning wildlife impacts on local ecosystems. The bill is tied to three other related bills (HB 4784, HB 4786, and HB 4783), requiring all to pass together.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates regional commission for natural resource management, strengthening oversight of wildlife conservation and local environmental decisions per bill's purpose.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Feb 5, 2025

SB 65: Natural resources: hunting; deer baiting license; provide for. Amends secs. 40102 & 40111a of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.40102 & 324.40111a).

SB 65 requires hunters to purchase a $15 (resident) or $30 (nonresident) "deer baiting license" to legally bait deer on private property during hunting season. This applies specifically to hunters using bait for taking deer, excluding agricultural practices, wildlife feeding, or disease management exceptions. The law also allows wildlife officials to restrict baiting in deer management units with two or more cases of chronic wasting disease within a year. The licensing requirement is temporary and will expire on January 1, 2029.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRegulates deer baiting to prevent chronic wasting disease spread, a conservation measure protecting wildlife populations and allowing restrictions in disease-affected areas.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · Michigan · House Feb 13, 2025

HJR C: Natural resources: hunting; right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife; recognize in constitution. Amends the state constitution by adding sec. 29 to art. I.

This bill proposes adding a constitutional right to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wildlife for all Michigan citizens. It specifies this right is subject only to regulations promoting wildlife conservation and management, and requires the state to allow reasonable access for these activities. The amendment explicitly states it does not change existing laws regarding property rights, trespass, or firearms unrelated to hunting. The proposal must be voted on by Michigan voters at the next general election.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly ties hunting/fishing rights to 'regulations promoting wildlife conservation and management,' reinforcing resource protection as a constitutional requirement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 10, 2025

HB 4573: Appropriations: department of natural resources; appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

HB 4573 allocates state funds to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for its operations during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. It provides the specific funding amounts needed for the DNR to carry out its responsibilities, including managing state parks, wildlife conservation, and natural resource programs. This bill directly affects the DNR's ability to operate and deliver services related to natural resource management across Michigan. As a standard appropriations bill, it authorizes spending but does not create new policies or programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates state funds to DNR for operations, standard appropriations bill directly funding a state department's budget and services.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllocates funds to DNR for conservation, parks, and natural resource programs, directly supporting environmental management and protection activities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Parks & Recreation Wildlife

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passed · Michigan · Senate May 14, 2025

SB 172: Appropriations: department of natural resources; appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

SB 172 is a funding bill that allocates over $636 million to Michigan's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It provides budget authority for DNR operations, including state parks, wildlife programs, and Great Lakes restoration, funded through state general funds, federal grants, and special revenue accounts like park fees and hunting licenses. The bill specifies exact funding amounts for key areas such as department administration, invasive species control, and public outreach programs. This is a routine budget appropriation, not a policy change, directly affecting DNR's ability to manage natural resources and public facilities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $636M for DNR operations including state parks, wildlife, and Great Lakes programs via state general funds and user fees, directly advancing public service funding under budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllocates $636M to DNR for state parks, wildlife programs, and Great Lakes restoration - direct funding for environmental protection and conservation initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Parks & Recreation Wildlife

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passed · Michigan · Senate Oct 21, 2025

SB 277: Sales tax: distribution; disposition of money into the game and fish protection account; provide for. Amends sec. 25 of 1933 PA 167 (MCL 205.75). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0276'25

SB 277 redirects a portion of Michigan's sales tax revenue to the state's Game and Fish Protection Account. It amends existing law (MCL 205.75) to require that specific sales tax funds be deposited directly into this dedicated account instead of general state funds. This ensures consistent, dedicated funding for wildlife conservation and management programs, including habitat protection and fishery restoration. The bill affects state wildlife management efforts by providing a reliable revenue stream without creating new taxes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects sales tax revenue to dedicated wildlife conservation account, ensuring consistent funding for essential programs per bill's explicit language.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRedirects sales tax revenue to Game and Fish Protection Account for habitat protection and fishery restoration, directly funding environmental conservation programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Conservation Wildlife

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