MEC Capitol Update
April 16, 2004

 

Legislation to establish water discharge fees and groundwater fees to be signed on Earth Day at the Capitol

Waste industry filed a lawsuit challenging solid waste bills signed by the Governor at the end of March

Senate

On the calendar:

SB 217 - The bill to amend the drain code was reported from the Agriculture Committee.

Recycling bills:

SB 532 and SB 533-- anti-littering legislation

SB 853 -- Reporting on the nature and the amount of litter collected under the adopt-a-river program

SB 854 - creates statewide recycling coordinator position

SB 855 - Reporting on the nature and the amount of litter collected under the adopt-a-shoreline program

SB 856 - Requires the state to conduct a comprehensive study on littering and create a marketing program to reduce litter

SB 857 - Reporting on the nature and the amount of litter collected under the adopt-a-trail program

SB 858 - Reporting on the nature and the amount of litter collected under the adopt-a-park program

SB 860 - Establishes a 1-800 number for reporting littering violations

SB 861 - Sets statewide goals for recycling rates (30% by 2009, 50% by 2014)

In committee:

Technology & Energy will meet on Wednesday (4/21) at 3:00 PM to continue its discussion on Public Act 141 of 2000 (Electric restructuring) -- including a presentation by the Michigan Environmental Council.

Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs will meet on Tuesday (4/20) at 3:00 PM to take up:

SB 927 -- Establishes a legislative workgroup to examine game and fish program revenue -- made up of legislators, Natural Resource Commission members and other interested parties.

SCR 41 -- A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to provide funding for the dredging of canals around the city of Gibraltar.

SR 234 -- A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to provide funding for the dredging of canals around the city of Gibraltar.

Appropriation Committees:

Transportation - will meet on Tuesday (4/20) at 1:00 PM to take up HB 5528 -- Department of Transportation; provide for fiscal year 2004-2005.

House

On the calendar:

SB 510 -- a bill to establish stormwater fees.

HB 5312 -- allows hunters to donate an additional $1.00 when purchasing hunting or fishing licensing to support the sportsmen against hunger program

SB 193 -- Provides for a specialty license plates for ducks unlimited

In committee:

Agriculture and Resource Management will meet on Tuesday (4/20) at 10:30 AM to take up:

HB 5673 -- Expands the definition of livestock under the agricultural classification for property tax purposes.

HB 5665 -- Give preference under State purchasing to paper products that derive from sustainably managed forests or procurement systems.

Conservation and Outdoor Recreation will meet on Wednesday (4/21) at 10:30 AM to take up:

HB 5313 -- Substantially revises and provide for distribution of proceeds upon
subsequent conveyance for property conveyed by the state to certain other entities.

HB 5681 -- Establish penalties for destruction to vegetation or property in Mackinac Island state park.

SB 221 -- Allows an individual to carrying a pistol in area frequented by game; allow if individual has, or is exempt from having, a concealed weapon permit.

Energy and Technology will meet on Wednesday (4/21) at 9:00 AM to take up HR 200 -- A resolution to urge the Federal Communications Commission to develop and enforce stronger measures to restrict indecency in radio and television broadcasting, and for a presentation by the MPSC regarding the interim order on DTEs rate case.

Transportation will meet on Thursday (4/22) at 9:00 AM to take up a number of bills, including:

HB 5273 -- A bill that reduces the penalties for improper transportation of hazardous materials.