MI SB0494

Establishes an environmental assurance advisory council composed of state agency directors, federal representatives, agricultural organizations, conservation groups, and industry representatives to advise on pesticide/fertilizer standards, verification protocols, and water quality monitoring.

Requires the council to submit annual reports to the department, provide biannual recommendations on MAEAP incentives beginning April 1, 2022, and recommend a tiered recognition program for farms working toward Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) verification.

Sets water quality protection fees at $270 per pesticide product annually due by July 1, with a $100 late fee for renewals; specialty fertilizer registrants pay $100 per product, and other fertilizer manufacturers pay $0.0005 per pound sold.

Creates the freshwater protection fund to receive fee revenue and matching general fund appropriations for direct/indirect assistance, emergency response, natural resources protection, and administrative costs (capped at 20% of annual appropriations).

Suspends water quality protection fee collection when fund balance exceeds $5,000,000 and requires reinstatement if balance falls below $2,000,000; extends the section 8715 sunset date from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2025.