Bill > HB5502

This bill modifies existing Michigan law regarding wetland regulation, primarily by clarifying which activities are permitted in wetlands without requiring a permit from the state's environmental department. It expands the list of activities that do not need a permit, including fishing, hunting, swimming, boating, hiking, and certain agricultural practices like farming, horticulture, silviculture, lumbering, and ranching, provided these are part of established, ongoing operations and do not involve significant drainage or conversion of the wetland. The bill also clarifies rules for maintaining agricultural drains, farm roads, public streets, and utility lines, emphasizing that these activities must minimize adverse effects on wetlands. Importantly, it introduces a provision stating that any human activity not specifically intended to create wetlands will not be subject to regulation under this part, and places the burden of proof on the department to demonstrate that incidentally created wetlands should be regulated. The bill also redefines "utility line" for clarity and adds a definition for "agricultural drain" to specify its characteristics.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-HB-5502