2008 House Bill 6133 / Public Act 299

Revise commercial forest land withdrawal penalty formula

Introduced in the House

May 21, 2008

Introduced by Rep. Michael Lahti (D-110)

To revise the penalty for withdrawing commercial forest land from a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2005-HB-5454">commercial forest</a> program that subjects the property to lower taxes in return for the owner giving the public access for recreation. Reportedly the penalty formula established in the last revision of the law in 2006 was so onerous that no owners have used the program.

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

June 10, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

June 24, 2008

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises various details, but does not change its substance. This version was subsequently superseded by another substitute with more changes.

The substitute failed by voice vote

Substitute offered by Rep. Michael Lahti (D-110)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 107 to 0 (details)

Received in the Senate

June 26, 2008

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Bioeconomy

Sept. 16, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Sept. 25, 2008

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To revise the penalty for withdrawing commercial forest land from a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2005-HB-5454">commercial forest</a> program that subjects the property to lower taxes in return for the owner giving the public access for recreation. Reportedly the penalty formula established in the last revision of the law in 2006 was so onerous that no owners have used the program.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Oct. 8, 2008