Bill > HB4851

This bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to limit the amount of land the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) can own in any county, township, city, village, or school district to 50%. Specifically, if the DNR owns more than 50% of the land in a public corporation, the department must declare a surplus amount of land equal to the excess and convey it within 90 days. The bill prohibits the DNR from acquiring additional land in such a public corporation if doing so would cause state ownership to exceed 50%. There are exceptions for land acquired using certain federal funds or funds from specific state trust funds. The bill also establishes a process for selling surplus land through a public internet auction, requiring at least 30 days' notice to potential interested parties. If no bids are received, the land is automatically conveyed to the county where it is located. The legislation aims to provide more transparency and limits on state land ownership while creating a standardized process for disposing of surplus state-owned land.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4851