Appropriations: department of natural resources; appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Creates appropriation act.
Summary
SB 862 is a fiscal year 2026-2027 appropriations bill for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. As introduced, it makes a very small gross appropriation of $100 from the state general fund/general purpose for the department and authorizes that spending for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027. The bill is structured as a standard appropriations act, with a line-item appropriation section and general sections governing how the money may be spent.
The bill also includes the usual constitutional and statutory spending language. It states the total state spending under the bill from state sources is $100.00 and that none of the appropriation is to be paid to local units of government. It further provides that the appropriation is subject to the Management and Budget Act, tying the bill to existing state budget administration and oversight requirements.
Impact
If enacted, SB 862 would amend state spending authority for the Department of Natural Resources for fiscal year 2026-2027 by creating a new appropriations act with a nominal $100 general fund appropriation. It would not appear to create new regulatory programs or amend substantive natural resources law; instead, it would operate as a budget measure authorizing expenditure under Michigan’s constitutional and statutory appropriations framework. The bill would also reaffirm that the appropriation is governed by the Management and Budget Act and would not direct funds to local governments.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill received generally favorable committee support, as it was reported favorably with substitute S-1 on April 16, 2026 by a 13-3 vote. No committee transcript excerpts were provided, so there is no recorded debate to indicate broader public or legislative concerns. Overall, the bill appears to have moved as a routine appropriations measure rather than a controversial policy proposal.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the unusually small appropriation amount of $100 for a major state department, which may reflect a placeholder, technical, or procedural budget bill rather than a substantive funding package. The 13-3 committee vote indicates some opposition, but without transcripts the specific objections are not known. Any disagreement likely centered on the adequacy, purpose, or structure of the appropriation rather than on changes to natural resources policy.