MI SB0444

Establishes definitions for aquatic invasive species (nonnative species causing economic, environmental, or health harm) and aquatic nuisance organisms in Michigan waters.

Requires chemicals used for aquatic nuisance control to be registered with the EPA and Michigan Department of Agriculture, with the state unable to deny permits based on chemical choice if properly registered unless an alternative is identified.

Creates a tiered permit fee system based on area of impact ($75 for under 0.5 acres to $1,500 for 100+ acres) with annual fees required by April 1, and establishes an aquatic nuisance control fund to support program administration.

Sets processing timelines for permit and certificate of coverage applications (15 working days for certificates, 30 days for permits, reduced to 15 days for waterbodies with registered infestations) with penalties of 15% fee refund if deadlines are missed.

Authorizes permittees to expand treatment areas into adjacent infested portions of the same waterbody without permit revision and requires the department to maintain a public registry of infested waterbodies by January 1, 2016.