2009 Senate Bill 578 / 2010 Public Act 45

Ban DNR closing existing horseback riding areas on state land

Introduced in the Senate

May 14, 2009

Introduced by Sen. Cameron Brown (R-16)

To prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from banning horseback riding and pack animals on trails on state land where this was not prohibited before May 7, 2008; require the department to reopen horse trails closed since then; and “facilitate the continued use of saddle and pack animals on state land where there is a historical tradition of their use.” Also, to require the Natural Resources Commission to “establish a network of trailways on state owned lands that may be used by pack and saddle animals”..

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

Nov. 18, 2009

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill and the substitute (S-2) be referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Bioeconomy.

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Bioeconomy

Dec. 17, 2009

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) previously recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs be rejected. With the recommendation that the substitute (S-5) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that allows trails to be closed to horses but only for very specific reasons.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Sen. Gilda Jacobs (D-14)

To prohibit the sale or use of human lice treatments containing lindane.

The amendment failed 16 to 21 (details)

Amendment offered by Sen. Liz Brater (D-18)

Prohibit the manufacture or distribution of products containing decabromodiphenyl ethers (deca-BDEs), which are a commonly used flame retardant for electronics.

The amendment failed 16 to 21 (details)

Passed in the Senate 35 to 2 (details)

To prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from banning horseback riding and pack animals on state land where this was not previously prohibited unless a restriction is based on "sound science," or for reasons of public safety or maintenance, and only after a public hearing.

Received in the House

Dec. 17, 2009

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation

Jan. 21, 2010

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

March 25, 2010

Amendment offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details. This was bypassed in favor of another substitute that gives the DNRE more discretion on closing trails.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Substitute offered by Rep. Tim Moore (R-97)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that gives the DNRE more discretion on closing trails, based on negotiations with the department, user groups and legislators.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 107 to 2 (details)

To require the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to adopt a statewide trail use plan that generally allows horseback riding in state forests unless there is a legal restriction, but not in state parks or game areas, with certain exceptions. Trails would be considered closed to horses unless they are identified in the plan as open. The bill establishes new procedures the department must use for closing trails establish a from banning horseback riding and pack animals on state land where this was not previously prohibited unless a restriction is based on "sound science," or for reasons of public safety or maintenance, and only after a public hearing.

Received in the Senate

March 25, 2010

To require the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to adopt a statewide trail use plan that generally allows horseback riding in state forests unless there is a legal restriction, but not in state parks or game areas, with certain exceptions. Trails would be considered closed to horses unless they are identified in the plan as open. The bill establishes new procedures the department must use for closing trails.

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

April 1, 2010