DNR Letterhead

March 6, 2003

1. Bill Number and Sponsor:

House Bill 4064

Representative Lisa Wojno, et al

2. Purpose:

To amend 1994 PA 451, the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Section 43536, to allow one who is 70 years of age or older to receive a free all-species fishing license.

3. How Does This Legislation Impact Current Programs in the Department?

This bill allows for those users 70 years of age or older to receive a free all-species fishing license. In license year 2001, the number of senior fishing licenses sold was 111,966 which equates to more than $865,374 in fishing license revenue. Of these licenses, approximately 60% were purchased by users 70 years of age or older resulting in about $500,000 in revenue. If the license were issued at no cost, the revenue loss to the Game and Fish Fund would be approximately $500,000. The Game and Fish Fund supports the Department’s Wildlife, Fisheries and Law Enforcement programs.

4. Introduced at Agency Request?

No.

5. Agency Support?

No.

6. Arguments Against the Bill:

This bill would result in an annual revenue loss to the Game and Fish fund of more than $500,000. By providing free licenses, this bill would disregard the concept of user-pay for a rapidly growing segment of the population. Under the conditions of the bill, senior citizens would have an impact on the fisheries resources of the State and would not have to pay to utilize that resource.

The Department of Natural Resources also receives federal funding. To receive this funding, a minimum revenue amount must be collected from the sale of each license. With 60% of the senior fishing licenses being sold to those 70 years of age or older, this bill would remove the ability to collect specific federal funds. This absence of licenses sold at minimum cost would equate to approximately $479,000 in lost federal funding. As the general population ages, the potential loss in direct revenue and federal funding will only grow larger.

7. Arguments For the Bill:

None.

8. State Revenue/Budgetary Implications:

This bill would result in a loss of more than $500,000 annually to the Game and Fish Fund with an additional loss of $479,000 in federal funding.

9. Implications to Local Units of Government:

None.

10. Administrative Rules Implications:

None.

11. Other Pertinent Information:

None.

12. User Groups/Customers that Support this Legislation (if known):

Senior citizens would support this bill due to the elimination of fishing license fees.

K. L. COOL

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

BSS/FI