2001 House Bill 4719 / 2002 Public Act 507

Introduced in the House

May 3, 2001

Introduced by Rep. Patricia Birkholz (R-88)

To require the weekly testing of water quality at public bathing beaches during the swimming season, and close a beach if the water is found unsafe.

Referred to the Committee on Land Use and Environment

May 16, 2002

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one which eliminates the weekly test mandate, and requires local health officials to notify the local unit of government prior to conducting a test or evaluation. It also requires the owner of the beach to post at the main entrance, or in a visible location, where the test results can be viewed.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. James Koetje (R-74)

To remove the requirement for the owner of the beach to post whether or not the beach has been tested, and instead require the location of the results to be posted only if the beach has been tested.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Passed in the House 94 to 11 (details)

To require local health departments to notify the Department of Environmental Quality, the local government, and the owner of a “bathing beach” of the results within 36 hours of conducting a water quality test. The owner would be required to post a sign indicating whether the beach has been tested and where the results can be viewed.

Received in the Senate

May 16, 2002

June 19, 2002

Amendment offered

To exempt beaches which are not advertised or posted as public bathing beaches from the sign posting requirement.

The amendment passed by voice vote

June 27, 2002

Passed in the Senate 34 to 0 (details)

To require local health departments to notify the Department of Environmental Quality, the local government, and the owner of a public “bathing beach” of the results within 36 hours of conducting a water quality test. The owner would be required to post a sign indicating whether the beach has been tested and where the results can be viewed.

Received in the House

June 27, 2002

July 2, 2002

Passed in the House 94 to 8 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. John Engler

July 19, 2002