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.
State Budget
Michigan Farm Bureau closely tracked state budget negotiations and maintained ongoing engagement with lawmakers leading up to final approval by the House and Senate. More than 860 members and supporters sent over 1,700 messages to state representatives and senators, reinforcing MFB’s position on key provisions such as MDARD program funding, new E-Verify requirements, and EGLE permitting reforms. County Farm Bureau members serving on public policy committees and the MFB Labor Advisory Committee also played a critical role, making numerous calls to legislators to advocate on these priority issues.
With the Legislature taking their final votes on Oct. 3, the budget bills now await consideration by Gov. Whitmer.
Read the Michigan Farm News update: MI lawmakers approve budget with MAEAP support, EGLE permitting reform among key wins for ag
Contact: Rebecca Park
MAEAP Funding
Senate Bill 273, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Daley (R-Lum) would reauthorize the funding mechanism for the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. MAEAP is an innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. The bill renews the existing fertilizer and pesticide fees paid by farms and agribusinesses — without increase — to fund the statewide program that has operated for nearly 30 years. If approved, the fee structure would remain in place through 2030, when it will be up for renewal again. MFB supports the bill that has been ordered enrolled and awaits the Governor’s approval.
Contact: Rebecca Park
EGLE Permission to Enter
House Bill 4421, introduced by Rep. Tom Kunse (R-Clare), would require officers or employees of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to obtain a warrant or the property owner's consent before entering private property. MFB supports the bill, which passed the House Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism on September 24 and now awaits a vote by the full House of Representatives.
Contact: Josh Scramlin
Microplastics
Senate Bills 503–505 would ban the sale of products containing microbeads, create a statewide microplastics monitoring plan, and establish an EGLE program to test public drinking water for microplastics, including groundwater near agricultural operations. MFB opposed the legislation during a Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee hearing on September 9. The bills have yet to receive a vote in Committee.
Contact: Josh Scramlin
Hunting and Fishing License Fees
Senate Bills 276 and 277, sponsored by Sens. John Cherry (D-Flint) and Jon Bumstead (R-North Muskegon), propose changes to Michigan’s hunting and fishing license fees.
SB 276 would:
- Increase the resident base hunting license fee from $10 to $15 and raise the surcharge from $1 to $5, to continue supporting the Michigan Wildlife Council, hunter and angler recruitment and education, and the Hunters Feeding Michigan venison donation program.
- Adjust deer license fees by raising antlered permits from $20 to $25, reducing antlerless permits to $5, and dropping Deer Management Assistance Permits (DMAPs) from $10 to $1.
- Authorize the Natural Resources Commission to establish “earn-a-second-buck” rules, requiring hunters to harvest an antlerless deer before using a second buck tag.
- Update other species and fishing license fees.
SB 277 would use existing state funds to cover revenue losses from discounted licenses, including those for seniors and antlerless deer.
Michigan Farm Bureau supports SB 276 and does not have a position on SB 277. The legislation was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Sept. 25 and awaits consideration by the full Senate.
Contact: Andrew Vermeesch
Share Story
Article Tags
