HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND OUTDOOR RECREATION
REP. GARY HOWELL
CHAIR
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, April 29, 2021
10:30 AM
Room 307, House Office Building
The House Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation was called to order by
Chair Howell.
The Chair requested attendance be called:
Present: Reps. Howell, Markkanen, LaFave, Marino, Eisen, Wakeman, Sowerby,
Cambensy, Aiyash.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Representative Marino joined the committee remotely.
Representative LaFave moved to adopt the meeting minutes from April 22, 2021. There being
no objection, the motion prevailed by unanimous consent.
The Chair laid HB 4242 before the committee:
HB 4242
(Rep. Alexander)
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural
resources and environmental protection act," by
amending section 48729 (MCL 324.48729), as
amended by 2018 PA 643.
Representative Alexander testified in support of HB 4242.
Tom Knutson, representing Knutson's Recreational Sales, and Jim Mackie, representing
Mackie's Live Bait, testified in support of HB 4242. Questions and discussion followed.
Ben Gollon, representing Gollon Wholesale Live Bait, testified in support of HB 4242.
Craig Brunet, representing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, testified with a
neutral position on HB 4242.
Jim Dexter, representing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division
Chief, testified with a neutral position on HB 4242. Questions and discussion followed.
The Chair laid HB 4470 before the committee:
HB 4470
(Rep. Allor)
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural
resources and environmental protection act," by
amending section 48738 (MCL 324.48738), as
amended by 2014 PA 541.
The following people submitted a card in support of HB 4470, but did not wish to speak:
Marc Smith, representing the National Wildlife Federation-Great Lakes Office.
Hallie Fox, representing the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.
Terri Wild, representing the Black Lake Preservation Society.
Jason Wadage, representing the Burt Lake Preservation Authority.
Herm Boatin, representing the Mullet Lake Area Preservation Society.
Michael Kelly, representing the The Conservation Fund.
Craig Brunet, representing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Representative Wakeman moved to refer HB 4470 to the Committee on Judiciary, with
recommendation as substitute (H-2). The motion prevailed 7-1-0:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Howell, Markkanen, Eisen, Wakeman, Sowerby, Cambensy, Aiyash.
Nays: Rep. LaFave.
Pass: None.
The Chair laid HB 4088 before the committee:
HB 4088
(Rep. Borton)
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural
resources and environmental protection act," by
amending section 40111a (MCL 324.40111a), as
amended by 2015 PA 265.
Representative Borton testified in support of HB 4088.
Amy Trotter, representing the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, testified with no position
on HB 4088. Questions and discussion followed.
Craig Brunet, representing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, testified in
opposition to HB 4088. Questions and discussion followed.
Dr. Dan O'Brien, representing the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division,
Wildlife Veterinarian, testified in opposition to HB 4088. Questions and discussion followed.
The following person submitted a card in opposition to HB 4088, but did not wish to speak:
Andrew Vermeesch, representing the Michigan Farm Bureau.
Representative Markkanen moved to adopt substitute (H-1) to HB 4088. The motion
prevailed 8-0-0:
FAVORABLE ROLL CALL
Yeas: Reps. Howell, Markkanen, Eisen, Wakeman, Sowerby, Cambensy, Aiyash.
Nays: None.
Pass: None.
The Chair laid before the Committee a presentation by Kyle Rorah, Regional Director of
Public Policy for the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region, Ducks Unlimited. Questions and
discussion followed.
There being no further business before the committee, Chair Howell adjourned the meeting at
11:49 AM.
Representative Gary Howell, Chair
Molly Wingrove
Committee Clerk
mwingrove@house.mi.gov