State of Michigan

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Lansing

JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM

governor

REBECCA  A. HUMPHRIES

director

 

 

 

BILL ANALYSIS

 

BILL NUMBER:

House Bill No. 4524 (AS INTRODUCED)

TOPIC:

Free licenses for military personnel

SPONSOR:

Representative Hildenbrand

CO-SPONSORS:

None

COMMITTEE:

Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, and Natural Resources

Analysis Done:

April 5, 2007

POSITION

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is opposed to the enactment of HB 4524.  The bill will adversely affect the Department's operating revenue by eliminating the ability to qualify for Federal matching funds.

PROBLEM/BACKGROUND

To show admiration to military personnel for service to their country.

DESCRIPTION OF BILL

House Bill 4524 would make military licenses "free of charge" as opposed to $1.00.  All other provisions of the law remain the same.       

SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS

Pro

Provides a small gesture of gratitude for the admirable service the military personnel are providing to the country.

Con

By making the military licenses free and eliminating the $1.00 fee, this bill invalidates the Department's ability to qualify for Federal matching dollars on these sales.  Currently, for every unique individual who purchases a fishing or hunting license, the Department receives $9.86 and $11.43 respectively from the Federal Government.

 

In 2006, there were 6,689 military licenses sold consisting of 2,761 fishing licenses and 3,928 hunting licenses.  After applying the Federal matching dollars, these sales represent $27,223.46 for fishing license sales, $44,897.04 for hunting license sales plus the $1.00 fee for each license, for a grand total of $78,809.50 of revenue to the Department. 

FISCAL/ECONOMIC IMPACT

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

(a)     Department

Budgetary:

None

Revenue:   

$78,809.50 as calculated above.

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

 

_______________________________

Date

OLAF/BSS