Bill Text: MI SB0496 | 2009-2010 | 95th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: Recreation; outdoor activities; horseback riding; provide for a network of trailways. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding secs. 72121, 72122 & 72123.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2009-04-30 - Referred To Committee On Natural Resources And Environmental Affairs [SB0496 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2009-SB0496-Introduced.html
SENATE BILL No. 496
April 30, 2009, Introduced by Senator VAN WOERKOM and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled
"Natural resources and environmental protection act,"
(MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding sections 72121, 72122, and
72123.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 72121. (1) The department shall establish a network of
trailways in the state that may be used for horseback riding.
(2) A person who is 18 years of age or older shall not use a
horse on a trailway that is designated by the department for
horseback riding unless the person is in possession of a bridle tag
as provided for in this section.
(3) The department shall prepare and sell bridle tags as
follows:
(a) $25.00 for an annual bridle tag.
(b) $60.00 for a 3-year bridle tag.
(c) $5.00 for a 1-day bridle tag.
(4) The department shall make bridle tags available at state
park offices, through the department's website, and at other
locations determined appropriate by the department.
(5) Money collected by the department from the sale of bridle
tags shall be transmitted to the state treasurer for deposit into
the equine trailways fund created in section 72122.
Sec. 72122. (1) The equine trailways fund is created within
the state treasury.
(2) The state treasurer may receive money or other assets from
any source for deposit into the equine trailways fund. The state
treasurer shall direct the investment of the equine trailways fund.
The state treasurer shall credit to the equine trailways fund
interest and earnings from fund investments.
(3) Money in the equine trailways fund at the close of the
fiscal year shall remain in the fund and shall not lapse to the
general fund.
(4) The department shall be the administrator of the equine
trailways fund for auditing purposes.
(5) The department shall expend money from the equine
trailways fund, upon appropriation, only to maintain trailways used
for horseback riding, to improve visitor services for trailways
used for horseback riding, and to enhance trailhead areas for
trailways used for horseback riding.
Sec. 72123. (1) The equine trailways commission is created
within the department.
(2) The equine trailways commission shall consist of the
following members, appointed jointly by the governor, the senate
majority leader, and the speaker of the house of representatives:
(a) One individual representing the state's tourism industry.
(b) One individual representing businesses that support the
equine industry.
(c) Five individuals representing the equine industry as
follows:
(i) One individual from the Upper Peninsula.
(ii) One individual from the northern Lower Peninsula.
(iii) One individual from the central Lower Peninsula.
(iv) One individual from the southeastern Lower Peninsula.
(v) One individual from the southwestern Lower Peninsula.
(3) The members first appointed to the equine trailways
commission shall be appointed within 90 days after the effective
date of the amendatory act that added this section.
(4) Members of the equine trailways commission shall serve for
terms of 3 years or until a successor is appointed, whichever is
later, except that of the members first appointed 2 shall serve for
1 year, 2 shall serve for 2 years, and 3 shall serve for 3 years.
(5) If a vacancy occurs on the equine trailways commission, an
appointment for the unexpired term shall be made in the same manner
as the original appointment.
(6) A member of the equine trailways commission may be removed
for incompetency, dereliction of duty, malfeasance, misfeasance, or
nonfeasance in office, or any other good cause.
(7) The first meeting of the equine trailways commission shall
be called by the director. At the first meeting, the equine
trailways commission shall elect from among its members a
chairperson and other officers as it considers necessary or
appropriate. After the first meeting, the equine trailways
commission shall meet at least quarterly, or more frequently at the
call of the chairperson or if requested by 3 or more members.
(8) A majority of the members of the equine trailways
commission constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a
meeting of the equine trailways commission. A majority of the
members present and serving are required for official action of the
equine trailways commission.
(9) The business that the equine trailways commission may
perform shall be conducted at a public meeting of the equine
trailways commission held in compliance with the open meetings act,
1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275.
(10) A writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or
retained by the equine trailways commission in the performance of
an official function is subject to the freedom of information act,
1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.
(11) Members of the equine trailways commission shall serve
without compensation. However, members of the equine trailways
commission may be reimbursed for their actual and necessary
expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as
members of the equine trailways commission.
(12) The equine trailways commission shall do all of the
following:
(a) Advise the department on the state's network of trailways
used for horseback riding.
(b) Advise the department on expenditures from the equine
trailways fund established in section 72122.
(c) Advise the department on other matters related to the
promotion of the state's equine industry.
