State of Michigan DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Lansing
JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM governor		REBECCA A. HUMPHRIES director

BILL ANALYSIS

BILL NUMBER:	SENATE BILL 164, AS INTRODUCED
TOPIC:	Temporary Issuance of Crossbow Permits
SPONSOR:	Senator Jim Barcia
CO-SPONSORS:	None
COMMITTEE:	Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation
Analysis Done:	March 2, 2009

POSITION

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

PROBLEM/BACKGROUND

Current statute grants the Department the authority to issue a permit to a person to take game with a crossbow if the person has a permanent disability. Persons with temporary disabilities are presently not allowed to use crossbows to take game. This restriction limits hunting opportunity and hunter retention.

DESCRIPTION OF BILL

Senate Bill 164 provides authority to the Department to issue a permit to take game with a crossbow if the person has a temporary disability.

SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS

Pro

This legislation will increase hunting opportunity for hunters with a temporary disability at no risk to the wildlife resource. This legislation will also simplify the procedure for applying for a crossbow permit by removing the need to differentiate between a temporary and permanent disability.

Con

None

FISCAL/ECONOMIC IMPACT

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

(a) Department

Budgetary:

None

Revenue:

Limited increase in hunting licenses sold.

Comments:

None

(b) State

Budgetary:

None

Revenue:

None

Comments:

None

(c) Local Government

Comments:

None

OTHER STATE DEPARTMENTS

None

ANY OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

None

ADMINISTRATIVE RULES IMPACT

None

_______________________________

Rebecca A. Humphries

Director

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Date

WLD/LED