Sec. 35504.

(1) The joint legislative working committee on biological diversity is created in the legislature. The committee shall consist of 4 members of the senate appointed by the senate majority leader, 2 members of the house of representatives appointed by the republican leader of the house of representatives, and 2 members of the house of representatives appointed by the democratic leader of the house of representatives. Members of the committee shall be appointed by the senate majority leader and the republican and democratic leaders of the house of representatives within 30 days of March 23, 1994. At least 1 of the committee members appointed from the senate shall be a member of the minority party of the senate, and at least 1 of the committee members appointed from each house shall be a member of a standing committee that primarily addresses legislation pertaining to environmental protection and natural resources, or wildlife and fisheries management, and agriculture. The committee may establish and organize 1 or more scientific advisory boards to provide the committee with specific expertise as the committee considers necessary or helpful. If 1 or more scientific advisory boards are established, each board shall include individuals with expertise pertaining to the area of resource management at issue. The representatives shall include at least 1 individual employed by a state department or agency; 1 or more individuals employed by a university or college who work in applied research; and 1 or more individuals who work in basic research. The committee may consult with other individuals who are qualified representatives of industry and environmental groups. In fulfilling its duties under this part, the committee may consult with individuals and groups who are knowledgeable about, or interested in, biological diversity and conservation or are knowledgeable about scientific and technological issues related to biological diversity and its impact on human habitat.

(2) The function of the committee shall be to prepare a recommended state strategy for conservation of biological diversity and to report on the costs, benefits, and other implications of the strategy. Upon the request of the committee, state departments and state agencies shall submit reports containing the information required under section 35505 to the committee to enable the committee to prepare the state strategy and fulfill its functions under this part. The state strategy shall in part be based on information provided to the committee in these reports required under this section.

(3) The committee shall meet as soon as possible upon formation and then shall meet at least quarterly. The committee shall at its initial meeting develop a timeline establishing when specific reports are due from each of the reporting departments from which the committee requests reports. However, all reports required under section 35505(1) shall be submitted to the committee by a reporting department by December 30, 1994. The committee shall provide assistance to the reporting department as the committee considers necessary or helpful in developing the state strategy.

(4) The committee shall hold regularly scheduled meetings, and the business of the committee shall be conducted at public meetings held in compliance with the open meetings act, Act No. 267 of the Public Acts of 1976, being sections 15.261 to 15.275 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. Public notice of the time, date, and place of meeting shall be given in the manner required by Act No. 267 of the Public Acts of 1976.

(5) A writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the committee shall be made available to the public in compliance with the freedom of information act, Act No. 442 of the Public Acts of 1976, being sections 15.231 to 15.246 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

(6) The committee shall hold public hearings to solicit input from individuals and entities regarding biological diversity.

(7) The committee shall be dissolved on December 30, 1995.

History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 Popular Name: Act 451Popular Name: NREPA