Governor Gretchen Whitmer has veteoed legislation sponsored by Upper Peninsula State Representative Beau LaFave which he says would have expanded hunting opportunities for disabled veterans.
House Bill 4332 would have allowed for the use of pneumatic guns during bow hunting season. It passed both the House and Senate, but Whitmer says the “permitting system proposed by the bill, however, did not provide sufficiently clear standards for implementation”.
The governor’s explanation in her veto letter:
“Michigan has a long heritage of huntin g and wildlife conservation. With Fall upon us, I hope that hu nting season will provide a fruitful and fulfilling pastime for those wishing to enjoy the outdoors. However, personal safety and the stewardship of Michigan’s natural bounty are also important considerations.
This bill would create an unworkable permitting system within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Rather than providing a predictable and uniform standard for hunters with a disability, this bill depends on a subjective evaluation of physical fitness lacking sufficient standards to implement the permitting process.
Furthermore, this bill does not account for the conservation and rehabilitation efforts that would be required as a result of more vehicle traffic on hunting roads and trails.
The DNR Accessibility Advisory Council provides guidance to the DNR to help develop, manage, and plan opportunities for those of all abilities to enjoy Michigan’s natural resomces. Unfortunately, this legislation was developed without consultation with the Council, excluding valuable voices from the hunting community with disabilities. Future legislation should be developed cooperatively with the Council.
For the foregoing reasons, I am vetoing this bill.”
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