HOUSE BILL NO. 4855

June 27, 2023, Introduced by Reps. Aiyash, Rheingans, Byrnes, Arbit, Conlin, Wilson, Steckloff, Tsernoglou, Brabec, Scott, Pohutsky, Tyrone Carter, Hood, Dievendorf, Edwards, Miller, Coffia, Mentzer, Brixie, Weiss, Breen, Rogers, Haadsma, Price, Fitzgerald, Witwer, MacDonell and Young and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation.

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled

"Natural resources and environmental protection act,"

by amending section 43540e (MCL 324.43540e), as added by 2012 PA 520.

the people of the state of michigan enact:

Sec. 43540e. (1) The wolf management advisory council is created within in the department.

(2) The council shall consist consists of at least the following members:

(a) The director of the department, or his or her the director's designee.

(b) One member representing an organization that promotes conservation in this state appointed by the director or his or her designee.Two members representing organizations that promote conservation in this state, 1 of whom must represent a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the conservation and enhancement of this state's wildlife and habitat, recognizes and promotes primarily nonconsumptive wildlife use, and has expertise in wildlife issues, wildlife habitat, or wildlife management, appointed by the director or the director's designee.

(c) One member representing organizations that promote hunting or fishing in this state, appointed by the director or his or her the director's designee.

(d) One member representing a tribal government in this state, appointed by the director or his or her the director's designee.

(e) One member representing agricultural interests, appointed by the director or his or her the director's designee.

(f) One member representing an animal advocacy organization, appointed by the director or his or her the director's designee.

(g) One member with a master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in zoology, wildlife management, or a related discipline of science and the equivalent of 6 years of full-time relevant experience, appointed by the director or the director's designee.

(3) The council shall meet at least annually.

(4) A majority of the members of the council constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the council. A majority of the members present and serving are required for official action of the council.

(5) The business that the council may perform shall must be conducted at a public meeting of the council held in compliance with the open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275.

(6) A writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the council in the performance of an official function is subject to the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.

(7) Members of the council shall serve without compensation. However, members of the council may be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as members of the council.

(8) The council shall annually submit to the commission and to the legislature a report that makes nonbinding recommendations as to the proper management of wolves in this state.