HB 5862 Summary

• Adds definition of "small scale noncommercial gold mining" to include searching for and removing gold, silver, or other precious minerals using pans, sluices, rocker boxes, nonmotorized equipment, or dredges with motors not exceeding 10 horsepower and suction nozzles not more than 4 inches in diameter.

• Exempts small scale noncommercial gold mining from the permit requirement under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451).

• Makes technical corrections to the statute including changing "which" to "that," "pursuant to" to "under," and updating capitalization of agency names (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service).

• Clarifies definition of "inland lake or stream" to include the St. Marys, St. Clair, and Detroit Rivers while excluding the Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair, and lakes or ponds with less than 5 acres surface area.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment.