to adopt the meeting minutes from March 12, 2026.
Representative Lightner moved to adopt the meeting minutes from March 12, 2026. There being no objection, the motion prevailed with unanimous consent. The chair laid a presentation from the Michigan Vegetable Council before the committee. Greg Bird, Jamie Clover Adams, & Chris Falak, representing the Michigan Vegetable Council, gave a presentation on Michigan’s Vegetable Farming. Questions and discussions followed. The Chair laid HB 5698 and HB 5699 before the committee: HB 5698 (Rep. Meerman) A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural resources and environmental protection act," by amending section 3112 (MCL 324.3112), as amended by 2018 PA 667. HB 5699 (Rep. Johnsen) A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural resources and environmental protection act," (MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding section 3116a. Representative Johnsen & Representative Meerman testified together in support of HB 5698 & HB 5699. Questions and discussion followed. Josh Scramlin, representing the MI Farm Bureau, testified in support of HB 5698 and HB 5699. Questions and discussions followed. Nichole Biber, representing the Clean Water Action, testified in opposition to HB 5699. Megan Tinsley, representing the Michigan Environmental Council, testified in opposition to HB 5699. Questions and discussions followed. The following person submitted a card in opposition to HB 5698 and HB 5699, but did not wish to speak: Dylan Gebhard, representing the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The following people submitted a card in support of HB 5698 and HB 5699, but did not wish to speak: Sara Horton Flokstra, representing Michigan Cattleman's Association. Arend Elston, representing the Sanilac Creamery. Diane Smith, representing the Michigan Apple Association. Caitlin DeVries, representing Lakeshore Environmental Inc. Amy Cohn, representing the Michigan Cherry Committee. Chuck Lippstreu, representing the Michigan Agri-Business Association. Tim Langholz, representing the National Federation of Independent Business. Chad Reenders, representing the Michigan Blueberry Advisory. The following people submitted a card in opposition to HB 5699, but did not wish to speak: Carolan Sonderegger, representing the Flow Water Advocates. Ashley Flintoff, representing Friends of the Rouge. Melissa DeSimone, representing the Michigan Lakes & Streams Association. Charles Griffith, representing The Ecology Center. Scott Troia, representing the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center. Tim Minotas, representing the Sierra Club. There being no further business before the committee, Chair Neyer adjourned the meeting at 11:46 AM. Representative Jerry Neyer, Chair Brittany Middaugh Committee Clerk bmiddaugh@house.mi.gov