Kids no longer need all-species license to fish

A new law has passed in Michigan allowing kids under 17 to take and possess aquatic species in Michigan waters without an all-species fishing license.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law House Bill 5003 this week. The bill also adds a $2 fee to all-species fishing licenses for those under the age of 17, including residents and nonresidents. A second bill, House Bill 5002, was also signed into law exempting kids 17 and under from an additional $1 fee. A state fiscal analyst found that the bills would have a small positive impact on the Department of Natural Resources finances. The fishing license revenue is used by the Game and Fish Protection Fund to manage state land for the benefit of game species. The fund sees annual revenue between $75 million and $80 million.

— Natalie Broda, MediaNews Group