PNEUMATIC GUNS                                                                                                                                   H.B. 4080 (S-1):

                                                                                                                                                                                SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                                                                                REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 4080 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor:   Representative Beau Matthew LaFave

House Committee:   Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation

Senate Committee:   Natural Resources

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 401 (Wildlife Conservation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to do the following:

 --     Modify the definition of "firearm" and define "pneumatic gun".

 --     Allow the Natural Resources Commission to issue orders allowing an individual to take game with a pneumatic gun during any open season in which a firearm could be used for taking that game.

 --     Allow the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the 2022 through 2026 archery seasons, to issue up to 10 permits to individuals with a disability or physical limitation to take game with a pneumatic gun during any open season if that individual submitted certification from a medical professional who had determined that the individual could not use a bow or a crossbow.

 --     Require the DNR to develop and make available a certification form.

 --     Modify the conditions under which the DNR may issue a permit to allow an individual with a disability to take game from or upon a standing vehicle.

MCL 324.10102 et al.                                                                             Legislative Analyst:   Eleni Lionas

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have a minor fiscal impact on the DNR or no fiscal impact on local unit of government. The amount of the impact is indeterminate and would depend on the amount of increase in administrative costs the bill could have on the Department's existing enforcement and permitting operations.

Date Completed:   3-28-22                                                                             Fiscal Analyst:   Ben Dawson

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.