MEC Capitol Update
April 23, 2004

We would like to thank all the groups that made our Earth Day event at the Capitol a big success.

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 (4/28) at 3:00 PM to continue its discussion on Public Act 141 of 2000 (Electric restructuring).

Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs will meet on Tuesday (4/27) at 3:00 PM to take up:

Presentation by the Michigan 4-H Conservation Council

SB 722 -- To expand the types of eligible projects for pollution prevention funding.

SB 723 -- To revise eligibility criteria small business pollution prevention assistance revolving loan fund.

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:

Agriculture -- will meet on Thursday (4/29) at 1:00 PM to take up HB 5509 -- the budget for the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2004-2005.

Transportation - will meet on Tuesday (4/27) at 1:00 PM to take up HB 5528 -- Department of Transportation; provide for fiscal year 2004-2005.

House

On the calendar:

HB 5313 -- Substantially revises and provide for distribution of proceeds upon subsequent conveyance for property conveyed by the state to certain other entities. Much of the effected land is forest land that was deeded to schools (approximately 82,000 acres). Some schools now want to sell the land for a one-time infusion of money.

HB 5673 -- Expands the definition of livestock under the agricultural classification for property tax purposes. Language that include commercial facilities and game preserves were removed in committee. Horse farms will be included

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.

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 (4/27) at 10:30 AM to take up:

HCR 51 -- A concurrent resolution to disapprove Executive Order No. 2004-3, that transfer regulations over privately owned deer and elk captive cervidae livestock facilities and operations the captive from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Natural Resources. Environmental and Conservation have been calling for the transfer due to inaction by the Department of Agriculture to address issue such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

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

Transportation will meet on Thursday (4/29) 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.

For testimony only -- HB 4358 -- To increase the length limit for trucks to 65 feet.

Local Government and Urban Policy will meet on Tuesday (4/27) at 9:00 AM to take up HB 5741 -- A bill to enact comprehensive changes to the Campaign Finance Act.

Appropriation Subcommittees:

Natural Resources and Environmental Quality will meet on Tuesday (4/27) at 9:00 AM to take up

SB 1068 -- The Department of Natural Resources budget for fiscal year 2004-2005.