2013 Senate Bill 78

Restrict setting aside state land for “biological diversity”

Introduced in the Senate

Jan. 24, 2013

Introduced by Sen. Tom Casperson (R-38)

To prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from designating an area of land specifically for the purpose of achieving “biological diversity," no longer require the DNR to manage forests in a manner that promotes "restoration," and remove from statute a legislative "finding" that most losses of biological diversity result from human activity.

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, and Great Lakes

Feb. 26, 2013

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Feb. 28, 2013

Substitute offered

The substitute passed by voice vote

March 5, 2013

Amendment offered by Sen. Rebekah Warren (D-18)

To define "conservation" in the law as including "efforts necessary to maintain or restore...and sustain viable populations of native species and communities".

The amendment failed 12 to 24 (details)

Amendment offered by Sen. Rebekah Warren (D-18)

To strip out a provision deleting a requirement that the DNR manage the quality and distribution of wildlife habits by "developing and implementing stand and landscape level forest treatment measures".

The amendment failed 11 to 26 (details)

Amendment offered by Sen. Rebekah Warren (D-18)

To strip out a provision deleting from statute a legislative "finding" that most losses of biological diversity result from human activity.

The amendment failed 11 to 26 (details)

Substitute offered by Sen. Rebekah Warren (D-18)

To adopt a substitutute that would leave in statute more specific requirement that state land be managed for "biological diversity".

The substitute failed 11 to 26 (details)

Passed in the Senate 26 to 11 (details)

Received in the House

March 5, 2013

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

Dec. 9, 2014

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 16, 2014

Amendment offered by Rep. Charles Smiley (D-50)

The amendment failed by voice vote

Dec. 18, 2014

Passed in the House 59 to 50 (details)

To prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from designating an area of land specifically for the purpose of achieving “biological diversity," no longer require the DNR to manage forests in a manner that promotes "restoration," and remove from statute a legislative "finding" that most losses of biological diversity result from human activity.

Vetoed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Jan. 15, 2015