State: symbol; stonefly; designate as the official state insect. Creates new act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Timmy Beson and 21 co-sponsors

Designates the stonefly (Pteronarcys sp.) as Michigan’s official state insect, a symbolic designation with no new regulations or funding.

bill electronically reproduced 05/21/2025

#state:symbol

Overview

Bill Number: HB 4519

Title: State: symbol; stonefly; designate as the official state insect

Subject: State symbols

Purpose: Designate the stonefly (Pteronarcys sp.) as Michigan’s official state insect

Introduced: March 12, 2025

Latest status: Bill electronically reproduced May 21, 2025; introduced May 21, 2025; referred to Committee on Government Operations

Key committees referenced in actions: Environmental Regulation (initial referral) and Government Operations (subsequent referral)

What the bill would do

Designates the stonefly, specifically the genus Pteronarcys, as the official insect of the State of Michigan.

The bill’s enacted text is succinct: “Sec. 1. The stonefly (Pteronarcys sp.) is designated as the official insect of this state.” No additional provisions are included in the provided text.

Provisions and changes

Substantive provision: Official designation of the stonefly (Pteronarcys sp.) as Michigan’s state insect.

No accompanying regulatory changes, funding authorization, or administrative duties are enumerated in the text provided.

The designation is symbolic and ceremonial, typical of state symbol legislation.

Who or what would be affected

State government and agencies: Likely minimal administrative impact (e.g., ensuring state materials reflect the official insect designation) but no new regulatory requirements are described.

Educational and cultural institutions: Potentially relevant for educational materials, state displays, and public awareness efforts about Michigan’s entomology and biodiversity.

General public: The designation is primarily symbolic; no changes to laws governing species protection, agriculture, or commerce are indicated.

Procedural and timeline aspects

March 12, 2025: BillFiled

April 3, 2025: Read first time; referred to Environmental Regulation

April 17, 2025: Public hearing held; committee substitute considered; testimony recorded; left pending in committee

May 21, 2025: Electronically reproduced; introduced by Rep. Stephen Wooden; read a first time; referred to Committee on Government Operations

Current status: Referred to Committee on Government Operations; no final passage information provided in the available text

Additional notes

The bill appears to be a straightforward, symbolic designation with no fiscal or regulatory amendments attached in the text provided.

If enacted, the designation would add the stonefly (Pteronarcys sp.) to Michigan’s roster of official state symbols (e.g., state gemstone, state butterfly, etc.).

Bill