MI HB4038

Amends Michigan's environmental code to define "genetically engineered" organisms and "recombinant nucleic acid techniques" for purposes of regulating nonnative species.

Establishes a comprehensive list of prohibited species across multiple categories: aquatic plants (11 species including hydrilla and water chestnut), terrestrial plants (giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed), birds (Eurasian collared dove), crustaceans (rusty crayfish), fish (13 species including Asian carp and snakeheads), insects (Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer), mammals (nutria), and mollusks (6 snail species).

Establishes a list of restricted species that have more limited protections, including aquatic plants (curly leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, phragmites, and purple loosestrife with sterile cultivar exception) and mussels (zebra and quagga mussels).

Clarifies that a person is not considered to possess a live organism merely because it is present on their property unless they knowingly introduced it, or if they obtained it from the environment at that same location, or if they possess it solely for immediate destruction.

Takes effect immediately upon the Governor's approval on December 9, 2014.