2008 House Bill 6271 / Public Act 291

Extend spear-fishing season

Introduced in the House

June 19, 2008

Introduced by Rep. Steven Lindberg (D-109)

To extend the season for spearing certain fish to include December and the first two weeks of March, in addition to the current season of January and February.

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

June 24, 2008

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

June 25, 2008

Amendment offered by Rep. Matthew Gillard (D-106)

To allow the spearing of whitefish during November in Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 104 to 0 (details)

To extend the season for spearing certain fish to include December and the first two weeks of March, in addition to the current season of January and February. Also, to allow the spearing of whitefish during November in Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior.

Received in the Senate

June 26, 2008

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

Sept. 23, 2008

Reported without amendment

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

Sept. 24, 2008

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that also would revise regulations pertaining to the number of lines an angler may use.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Sept. 25, 2008

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To elinate statutory regulations and seasons on spear-fishing and bow-fishing, and instead give the Department of Natural Resources the authority to write regulations for this. Also, to increase the maximum number of single lines or single rods and lines to three, and increase the maximum number of hooks to six. The bill also would authorize the DNR to decrease the number of rods per angler, to a minimum of two. See <a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/billanalysis/Senate/htm/2007-SFA-6271-F.htm">Senate Fiscal Agency analysis</a> for more details.

Received in the House

Sept. 25, 2008

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill, which would also revise regulations pertaining to the number of lines an angler may use.

Passed in the House 103 to 0 (details)

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Oct. 6, 2008