2017 House Bill 4475 / 2018 Public Act 240

Revise state land ownership limits

Introduced in the House

April 19, 2017

Introduced by Rep. Gary Howell (R-82)

To eliminate a cap on the amount of acres the state can own in the northern part of the state, but require additional procedures for state land acquisitions. The bill would prohibit acquisitions if the state fails to make full “payments in lieu of property taxes” (PILT) on state land to local governments. The bill revises a number of details of current law to generally facilitate access to state land for recreation and resource use, and makes a number of other changes to state management details.

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

May 22, 2018

Amendment offered by Rep. Bill Sowerby (D-31)

To revise details of the authority local governments would have to reject a state land purchase in their county.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Bill Sowerby (D-31)

To remove a provision expanding the authority local governments would have to reject a state land purchase in their county.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Bill Sowerby (D-31)

To add to the restrictions on land purchases if the state fails to make full “payments in lieu of property taxes” (PILT) on state land to local governments.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Bill Sowerby (D-31)

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Bill Sowerby (D-31)

To expand the notice requirements for public meetings the bill would authorize for certain state land acquisition or development proposals.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Bill Sowerby (D-31)

To narrow a provision expanding the authority local governments would have to reject a state land purchase in their county.

The amendment failed by voice vote

May 23, 2018

Passed in the House 67 to 42 (details)

To eliminate a cap on the amount of acres the state can own in the northern part of the state, but require additional procedures for state land acquisitions. The bill revises a number of details of current law to generally facilitate access to state land for recreation and resource use, and makes a number of other changes to state management details.

Received in the Senate

May 29, 2018

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

June 4, 2018

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

June 12, 2018

Passed in the Senate 24 to 12 (details)

To eliminate a cap on the amount of acres the state can own in the northern part of the state, but require additional procedures for state land acquisitions. The bill revises a number of details of current law to generally facilitate access to state land for recreation and resource use, and makes a number of other changes to state management details.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

June 27, 2018