MI HB5898

Transfers control of the Michigan state fair and exposition grounds from a previously created authority to the Department of Management and Budget.

Authorizes the department to conduct an annual state fair or designate an existing fair as the "Michigan State Fair" if it accomplishes the purposes of promoting agricultural, industrial, commercial, educational, entertainment, tourism, technological, cultural, and recreational pursuits.

Grants the department authority to lease state exposition and fairgrounds to private and public organizations for up to 30 years (with possible 20-year extensions) at fair market value for for-profit businesses, with all uses subordinate to state fair preparation and operations.

Creates the state exposition and fairgrounds fund within the state treasury, with money from operations deposited into the fund and expended by legislative appropriation in priority order: funding a state fair, maintaining the grounds, and other authorized purposes.

Eliminates the authority board and manager positions, replacing them with department oversight including annual reporting to the governor and legislature on receipts, expenditures, and operations.