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HB 4785

Natural resources: other; Upper Peninsula natural resources commission; create. Amends secs. 301, 40102 & 40103 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.301 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4784'25, HB 4786'25, HB 4783'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 13 co-sponsors

Michigan bill creates Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission to govern regional resource management, affecting hunting, logging, mining, and environmental policy in the region.

bill electronically reproduced 08/21/2025
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Bill Summary · HB 4785

Legislative bill overview

HB 4785 creates a new Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission by amending Michigan's Natural Resources Act of 1994. The bill is tied to three companion bills (HB 4783-4786) that collectively establish governance structures and authorities for natural resource management in Michigan's Upper Peninsula region.

Why is this important

The Upper Peninsula represents roughly 30% of Michigan's land area but has distinct ecological and economic characteristics that may warrant regionalized management. Creating a dedicated commission could affect hunting/fishing regulations, forest management, mineral extraction policies, and environmental protection in the region—impacting both conservation efforts and resource-dependent industries and communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Regional authority vs. state control: Whether a regional commission should have independent decision-making power or remain subordinate to state-level agencies, and how this affects consistency across Michigan
  • Representation and stakeholder balance: Who sits on the commission (industry representatives, conservation groups, Indigenous nations, local governments, etc.) and whether all affected interests have meaningful input
  • Funding and implementation: Budget requirements for the new commission and whether resources are redirected from existing programs or represent new spending

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

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