DNR Letterhead

BILL ANALYSIS

BILL NUMBER:	HOUSE BILL 4145, AS ENROLLED
TOPIC:	Repeal sunset establishment of special rules on lakes
SPONSOR:	Representative Goeff Hansen
CO-SPONSORS:	None
COMMITTEE:	Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources
Analysis Done:	May 27, 2009

POSITION

The Department of Natural Resources (Department) supports this bill.

PROBLEM/BACKGROUND

Public Act 237 of 2006 established the specific process by which the Department considers the need for, and establishes, special rules on lakes to control watercraft. The Act also allows for appeal of the Department's decision to the Natural Resources Commission (NRC).

DESCRIPTION OF BILL

House Bill 4145 would repeal the sunset provision of Public Act 237 of 2006. This would allow the requirements for the process, and the NRC appeal option, to remain instead of being repealed June 26, 2009.

SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS

Pro

The repeal of this sunset provision would allow the existing process to remain in effect. The process works well and ensures all factors are considered when examining the need for special rules on lakes.

Con

Repealing this provision would continue the specific requirements for considering special rules and also the right to appeal the Department's decision about the need for special rules on lakes to the NRC. The specific steps required, and the appeal process afforded, require significant Departmental efforts with only one challenge (currently pending) to a determination made by the Department since inception.

FISCAL/ECONOMIC IMPACT

Are there revenue or budgetary implications in the bill to the --

(a) Department

Budgetary:

N/A

Revenue:

N/A

Comments:

N/A

(b) State

Budgetary:

N/A

Revenue:

N/A

Comments:

N/A

(c) Local Government

Comments:

N/A

OTHER STATE DEPARTMENTS

N/A

ANY OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

N/A

ADMINISTRATIVE RULES IMPACT

N/A

_______________________________

Rebecca A. Humphries

Director

_____________________________

Date

LED