HB 5559 Summary

• Requires sport fishing guides operating on Michigan's inland waters to obtain a valid guide license from the Department of Natural Resources beginning March 1, 2020, in addition to holding a valid fishing license.

• Establishes eligibility requirements for guide licenses including valid first aid/CPR certification, valid Michigan identification, no qualifying convictions within 3 years, and eligibility to purchase a license for the fish species being guided.

• Mandates sport fishing guides file monthly reports with the department detailing counties, fish species, client numbers, hours fished, catch data, and water bodies where guiding occurred; failures to file result in escalating fines ($100-$500) and potential license revocation after 90+ days.

• Sets application fees at $150 for residents and $300 for nonresidents; exempts charter boat operators licensed under part 445; allows guides to purchase boating access passes for $300 annually.

• Establishes penalties of up to $500 for unlicensed guiding or guiding on commercial forestland, doubled to $1,000 for repeat offenses; prohibits guides from operating on commercial forestland regardless of licensure.