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2008 Legislative Accomplishments
State Legislative Accomplishments
During the 94th legislative session, over 3,100 bills were introduced in the House and Senate. The Governor signed more than 500 bills into law. Legislation supported by Farm Bureau that has passed the state legislature and has been signed into law in 2008 includes:
Comprehensive Energy Legislation
We successfully lobbied for a state energy plan that includes a renewable portfolio standard and net metering program.
Water Use Legislation
We successfully lobbied for water use legislation to ensure Michigan agriculture has water use policies that are based in science and protect agriculture's ability to use water.
Milk Laws Updated
We successfully lobbied for amendments to the Manufactured Milk Law and Grade A Milk Law. Within the Manufactured Milk Law, updates were made to definitions and references to other laws and standards, as well as clarification of current practices.
Farm Produce Insurance Act
We successfully lobbied for technical amendments to the Farm Produce Insurance Act to update definitions to clarify participant eligibility when the fund is not assessing producer premiums. The new law defines "participant" as a producer who has never requested a refund from the fund or who has reentered the program according to provisions in statute. The bill also clarified the producer reentry process and terms of eligibility.
Local Fertilizer Ordinances
We successfully lobbied for amendments to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by adding "agricultural use" to the existing local ordinance preemptions regarding fertilizers.
Crib Style Hauling
We successfully lobbied for amendments to the Michigan Vehicle Code to eliminate certain requirements for the transportation of logs. The law allows for log trucks in Michigan to utilize crib-style hauling.
Trespassing
We successful lobbied for amendments to the Michigan Penal Code to clarify that general trespassing includes situations where a person enters or remains without lawful entry on fenced or posted farm property. The law states that a request to leave the premises is not necessary for a determination of trespass.
State Regulatory Accomplishments
Early Antlerless Deer Hunt
We successfully worked with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Natural Resources Commission for an early antlerless deer hunt on private land the counties of Iosco, Alcona, Alpena, Oscoda, Otsego, Montmorency, Presque Isle and Zone 3. This was an exciting new tool for agriculture to take advantage of to help minimize deer damage on farm and help manage the overall deer population.
Disease Control Permits
We successfully worked with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Natural Resources Commission to expand the use of Disease Control Permits for all landowners in the Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ).
Migrant Labor Housing
We worked to address some of the challenges faced by farmers utilizing housing financed under the USDA Rural Development Section 514 federal loan program. Michigan Farm Bureau engaged the Michigan Commission of Agriculture as a partner to work with USDA on occupancy restrictions that accompany housing financed through the 514 program.
