MI HB4579

Commission of Natural Resources may add or delete non-insect/non-plant species from prohibited or restricted species lists after 30-day notice to legislature and relevant committees; Commission of Agriculture has same authority for insect and plant species.

Prohibited species are non-native organisms not naturalized or widely distributed in Michigan that pose harm to human health, agriculture, natural resources, or silviculture with unavailable management techniques; restricted species are naturalized and widely distributed non-native organisms posing similar harms with available management techniques.

Persons prohibited from knowingly possessing live prohibited or restricted species except for identification purposes, eradication activities, education/research permits, or lawful control efforts; violations subject to civil fines up to $10,000 for prohibited species and $5,000 for restricted species, with felony charges for knowing violations.

Introduction of prohibited or restricted species or nonnative aquatic organisms requires permits from Department of Natural Resources or Department of Agriculture; violations carry misdemeanor penalties with fines up to $10,000 or felony penalties with fines up to $500,000 depending on species type and intent.

Creates invasive species fund from civil fines and permit fees to fund administration, public education, and prevention efforts; requires annual reporting to governor and legislature on invasive species status, prevention strategies, and habitat restoration recommendations by March 1 each year.