2019 House Bill 4567

Revise commercial fishing law

Introduced in the House

May 7, 2019

Introduced by Rep. Jack O’Malley (R-101)

To revise and update many details, definitions and procedures in the comprehensive regulatory regime that governs commercial fishing in Michigan. Among other things the three-bill package comprised of House Bills 4567 to 4569 would impose new restrictions on catches and require commercial fisherman who anchor nets in place to disclose their GPS coordinates to state authorities. The bills would also increase license fees and penalties for rule violations, impose new fish catch reporting requirements, and much more.

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation

Oct. 8, 2019

Reported without amendment

Refer to the Committee on Ways and Means with the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

Feb. 4, 2020

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-5) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Feb. 6, 2020

Amendment offered by Rep. Sara Cambensy (D-109)

To exclude lake trout taken from Lake Superior from an exception that allows commercial fishers to sell some game fish in some circumstances.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. John Cherry (D-49)

To revise provisions allowing commercial fishers to sell some lake perch, or receive compensation if they do not.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Substitute offered by Rep. Beau LaFave (R-108)

To adopt a substitute version of the bill that is less restrictive of commercial fishing.

The substitute failed by voice vote

Passed in the House 72 to 32 (details)

Received in the Senate

Feb. 11, 2020

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources