This update includes recently introduced bills and those moving through the legislative process. Michigan Farm Bureau’s positions are rooted in the organization’s member-developed policy.
Privately Owned Cervidae
House Bill 5645, introduced by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington), would transfer oversight of privately owned cervids from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Farm Bureau supports the legislation. HB 5645 passed the House 103-4 on June 17 and awaits consideration by the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee.
Contact: Justin Tomei
Teacher Certification
House Bill 6096 and Senate Bill 1040, sponsored by Rep. Tim Kelly (R-Saginaw) and Sen. Thomas Albert (R-Lowell), respectively, would allow a school district to employ a noncertified, non-endorsed teacher for up to 10 years. Farm Bureau policy recognizes the shortage of teachers and supports this legislation as a stopgap measure. The bills await consideration by the House Education and Workforce Committee and the Senate Education Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Teacher Certification
House Bill 6096 and Senate Bill 1040, sponsored by Rep. Tim Kelly (R-Saginaw) and Sen. Thomas Albert (R-Lowell), respectively, would allow a school district to employ a noncertified, non-endorsed teacher for up to 10 years. Farm Bureau policy recognizes the shortage of teachers and supports this legislation as a stopgap measure. The bills await consideration by the House Education and Workforce Committee and the Senate Education Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Wetlands
Several bills addressing wetlands policy have been introduced, and Farm Bureau supports the following legislation:
House Bill 5082, introduced by Rep. Tom Kunse (R-Clare), would require the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to complete a wetland assessment within 60 days and prohibit the department from charging fees for the assessment.
House Bills 5501-5502, sponsored by Reps. Greg Alexander (R-Carsonville) and Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan), would allow for the relocation or replacement of wetlands within development projects.
House Bill 5536, introduced by Rep. David Martin (R-Davison), would clarify the definition of a wetland by aligning state standards with federal standards following the Sackett v. EPA U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
All four bills passed the House in June and now await consideration by a Senate committee.
Contact: Josh Scramlin
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Rebecca Park
Josh Scramlin
