2009 House Bill 4897 / Public Act 65

Revise hunter orange requirements

Introduced in the House

May 6, 2009

Introduced by Rep. Joel Sheltrown (D-103)

To require a hunting blind to have at least 14 square inches of hunter orange visible on all sides. Also, to exempt crossbow hunters during archery season and people engaged in falconry from hunter orange hunting apparel rules.

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation

May 19, 2009

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 26, 2009

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that narrows the scope to cover only a "ground blind" used for firearms hunting and located on public land. "Ground blind" would mean "a manufactured ground enclosure used to conceal the occupant," but would not include a blind built entirely of dead vegetation found on the property.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Joel Sheltrown (D-103)

To remove the hunter orange mandate proposed for blinds and "ground blinds." The bill would only create some new huner orange apparel exemptions.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 107 to 0 (details)

To exempt crossbow hunters during archery season, stationary bobcat, coyote, or fox hunters, and people engaged in falconry from hunter orange hunting apparel rules.

Received in the Senate

June 2, 2009

Referred to the Committee on Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Recreation

June 24, 2009

Motion by Sen. Alan L. Cropsey (R-33)

To discharge the Committee on Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation from further consideration of the bill and move it directly to the House floor for immediate consideration and debate.

The motion passed by voice vote

June 25, 2009

Passed in the Senate 34 to 0 (details)

To exempt crossbow hunters during archery season, stationary bobcat, coyote, or fox hunters, and people engaged in falconry from hunter orange hunting apparel rules.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

July 1, 2009