House Bill 5719 Summary

• Establishes the "Michigan State Fair Act" to create an official designation process for Michigan's state fair beginning in 2015.

• Authorizes the Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development to designate a fair as the official "Michigan State Fair" upon application if it meets criteria including open international participation, junior shows for state youth, agricultural/commerce exhibits, and educational programming.

• Requires applicants to have operated a statewide fair for at least 2 years prior to applying and mandates annual presentations to the commission on fair operations and agricultural promotion efforts.

• Prohibits other persons or events from using the name "Michigan State Fair" or similar descriptions unless they were legally authorized to do so before the act's effective date.

• Repeals the Michigan Exposition and Fairgrounds Authority Act (1978 PA 361) and exempts the Upper Peninsula State Fair from the new designation requirements.