The House Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss several key legislative proposals impacting Michigan's natural resources and tourism sectors. The meeting began with attendance confirmation, establishing a quorum, and the approval of previous meeting minutes.

One of the primary topics was House Bill 4401, sponsored by Representative Jay Green, which aims to remove the sunset provision on the pheasant stamp. This bill received unanimous support from the committee, reflecting a strong consensus on the importance of maintaining funding for pheasant hunting and related conservation efforts.

Another significant discussion centered around House Bill 4285, introduced by Representative Vanderwall. This bill proposes an elective firearm safety program in Michigan schools. Amendments to the bill included a change in the implementation date from June 1 to September 1, allowing more time for preparation. Additionally, the bill was modified to provide flexibility regarding class hours, enabling the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to adjust requirements as necessary. The committee adopted these changes and moved forward with a recommendation for the bill.

The meeting also addressed House Bills 4192 and 4193, presented by Representatives Van Werkom and Snyder. These bills propose changes to the groundwater discharge permit classification structure for manufactured housing communities and campgrounds. The current fee structure, which classifies these facilities alongside larger corporations, has been criticized for being disproportionately burdensome. The proposed legislation seeks to reclassify smaller manufactured housing communities to align them with municipalities of similar size, potentially easing financial pressures on these communities.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the committee's focus on balancing conservation efforts with the needs of local communities and the tourism industry. As these bills progress, their implications for Michigan's natural resources and tourism landscape will be closely monitored. The committee's next steps will involve further deliberation and potential voting on these legislative proposals.