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HB 4136

Elections: registration; department of natural resources and those designated by the department of natural resources to issue a resident hunting, fishing, or fur harvester's license to provide voter registration applications to resident hunting, fishing, or fur harvester's licens Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding sec. 43540g.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian BeGole and 8 co-sponsors

The bill makes voter registration forms available to applicants for resident hunting, fishing, or fur harvester licenses, but DNR staff may not assist or collect forms.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS AND ETHICS
#communications:internet #elections:registration #naturalresources:fishing #naturalresources:hunting #stateagencies(existing):naturalresources #stateagencies(existing):state
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Bill Summary · HB 4136

HB 4136 — Summary (Michigan)

Purpose

HB 4136 adds section 43540g to Part 435 (Hunting and Fishing Licensing) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to increase opportunities for voter registration by making voter registration applications available to applicants for resident hunting, fishing, and fur harvester licenses.

Key provisions

  • Requires the Secretary of State (SOS) to provide printed voter registration applications to:
    • The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and
    • Persons the DNR designates to issue resident hunting, fur harvester’s, or fishing licenses.
  • Requires the DNR and its designated license agents to:
    • Display and make available those voter registration applications to the public;
    • Ask each individual who applies for a resident license whether they would like a voter registration application.
  • Limits DNR/agents’ role:
    • They may not assist applicants in completing voter registration applications;
    • They are expressly not designated voter registration agencies under Michigan Election Law (MCL 168.509m) and may not perform voter registration activities, including accepting or collecting complete or incomplete voter registration forms.
  • Online applicants: The DNR must provide a link on its website to the SOS voter registration application page for anyone applying online for a resident license.
  • Defines “resident” for purposes of Part 435 (includes persons domiciled in Michigan, full‑time Michigan students, and certain military personnel stationed in or maintaining Michigan residence).

Who is affected

  • Directly: DNR, DNR‑designated license agents, applicants for resident hunting, fishing, and fur harvester licenses in Michigan, and the SOS (which supplies forms).
  • Indirectly: Voters—especially residents who obtain licenses—by increasing access to registration forms.

Fiscal impact

  • Minimal additional costs to DNR to display/make available forms and to include a website link. DNR already has infrastructure for licensing; increased costs are not expected to be significant.
  • Minor costs to the SOS for providing printed applications.
  • No expected change in revenues for DNR or local governments. (House Fiscal Agency analysis cited.)

Legislative status & timeline

  • Introduced by Rep. Brad Paquette (listed sponsors also include other representatives).
  • Committee activity: referred to committees, reported favorably without amendment, public hearing held.
  • House action: passed the Michigan House on May 6, 2025 (vote 108–2) with immediate effect; transmitted and on May 13, 2025 referred to the Senate Committee on Elections and Ethics.
  • Companion bill: SB 1569.

Practical effect

The bill does not change voter registration rules or who may register; it simply makes registration applications more readily available to people applying for resident hunting, fishing, or fur harvester licenses while prohibiting DNR staff and agents from assisting with or collecting completed registration forms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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