The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to introduce new provisions regarding hunting licenses and the establishment of a shooting and education fund. It allows the Department to charge a permit fee for the use of state-owned shooting ranges, which will be deposited into the newly created fund managed by the state treasurer. The bill also modifies hunting license fees, including an increase in the mentored hunting license fee from $7.50 to $10.00, and establishes that the state treasurer will adjust license fees annually based on the Consumer Price Index. Additionally, it clarifies eligibility criteria for individuals with developmental disabilities and outlines requirements for mentored hunting programs.

Further changes include the introduction of a cold-water subaccount within the game and fish protection account, funded by fishing license fees, and the requirement for bobcat hunters to possess a kill tag. The bill raises various fishing license fees, such as the resident all-species fishing license from $25.00 to $30.00, and modifies the age requirement for fishing licenses from 17 to 16 years. It also updates the administration of the "hunters feeding Michigan" program, ensuring that nonprofit organizations involved have adequate experience and resources. The bill specifies that a $1.00 donation will be collected with license fees for this program and establishes a fund within the state treasury to manage these donations, ensuring that funds do not lapse to the general fund at the end of the fiscal year.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 324.43520