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State of
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JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM governor |
DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES |
REBECCA A. HUMPHRIES director |
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State of
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JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM governor |
DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES |
REBECCA A. HUMPHRIES director |
BILL NUMBER: HOUSE BILL 6245, AS
INTRODUCED
TOPIC: Regulation of the
privately-owned cervidae industry
SPONSOR: Representative Casperson
CO-SPONSORS: Representatives Hildenbrand, Shaffer,
Hoogendyk, Emmons, Nitz, Marleau, Proos, Huizenga, Booher, Moore, Pastor and
Farhat
COMMITTEE: Conservation, Forestry, and Outdoor
Recreation
Analysis
Done:
POSITION
The Department supports the bill.
PROBLEM/BACKGROUND
Executive
Order (EO) 2004-3 transferred responsibility to administer the privately-owned
cervidae (POC) program from Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) to the Department
of Natural Resources (DNR) and called for the DNR to conduct a risk-based audit
of the industry. The main deficiencies revealed
in the audit involve animal identification, the rate of disease testing,
conditions of fences, and the rate and reporting of escaped animals.
DESCRIPTION
OF BILL
HB
6245 reflects changes to the Operational Standards for Privately Owned Cervidae Facilities negotiated by a work group. The proposed changes are responsive to the
audit findings. These standards are the
basis for operations for cervidae facilities and are to be incorporated by
reference in PA 190 and will have the same legal status as the statute. HB 6245 changes the roles of DNR and MDA
within Act 190 to be consistent with EO 2004-3.
HB
6245 amends definitions and responsibilities to establish DNR as the POC program
administrator with MDA responsible for animal health testing and animal
movement.
This
bill generates approximately 50 percent of POC program revenue for DNR through
increased registration fees and new inspection and application fees for
cervidae producers. These fees are
supported by the industry represented by the Michigan Deer and Elk Farmers
Association.
The
legislation addresses audit findings by creating a formal decommission process
for cervidae facilities wishing to cease operation; updating application
processing and timelines; addressing modification of registration; and, by
incorporating revised operational standards, improving operational procedures
of POC facilities to reduce risks associated with this agricultural activity.
The
process to revise the Operational Standards and to propose amendments to PA 190
of 2000 have been a collaborative effort between state agencies, industry
representatives, conservation interests, and the sponsor.
SUMMARY
OF ARGUMENTS
Pro
HB
6245 proposes changes to reduce disease risks to the state’s agriculture
industry and free-ranging wildlife by addressing findings of the 2004-5 audit
of the POC industry.
HB
6245 proposes fees to provide nearly 50 percent of the costs for DNR to
administer the POC program.
HB
6245 redefines agency responsibility to be consistent with Executive Order
2004-3.
Con
HB 6245 eliminates authority to promulgate rules.
FISCAL/ECONOMIC
IMPACT
Are there revenue or
budgetary implications in the bill to the --
Budgetary:
None
Revenue:
Based on the current number
of registered facilities within the state, the proposal to increase
registration fees in HB 6245 will generate revenue of approximately $495,000
over three years. In addition,
application and inspection fees for new facilities, fees for second inspections
and modification application fees for current facilities have been added. It is unknown how much revenue these fees
will generate, but their existence will only increase the amount of revenue
brought into the Department. Current
cost estimates to run the POC program are projected to be roughly $310,000 per
year. The increased fees in HB 6245 will
provide approximately half of the funding needed annually to support the
program.
Comments:
None
Budgetary:
None
Revenue:
None
Comments:
None
Comments:
None
OTHER
STATE DEPARTMENTS
The
MDA has been involved in the process and is in support of HB 6245.
ANY
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION
Michigan Deer and Elk Farmers
Association support the bill.
Cervid Farmers of Michigan support the bill.
Michigan United Conservation Clubs
supports the bill.
ADMINISTRATIVE
RULES IMPACT
HB 6245 eliminates authority to
promulgate rules.
_______________________________
Rebecca A. Humphries
Director
_______________________________
Date
LED/WLD/BSS
