Governor Snyder signs bills helping landowners

On Wednesday, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation lengthening the time period in which a landowner can switch from membership in the Commercial Forest Affidavit Program to the Qualified Forest Program without incurring a penalty. "Landowners will now have increased flexibility and more adequate time to make an informed decision regarding possible program transfers," Snyder said. Senate Bill 59, sponsored by state Sen. Darwin Booher, extends the deadline for allowing participants in the Department of Natural Resources' Commercial Forest Affidavit Program to transfer into the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Qualified Forest Program. The bill changes the deadline from June 5, 2014, to Sept. 1, 2015. The bill is now Public Act 146 of 2014. The governor signed one other bill: House Bill 5191, sponsored by state Rep. Bruce Rendon, makes laws regarding the operation of off-road vehicles more consistent with those for snowmobiles. People age 18 and older are no longer required to wear a helmet when operating or riding on an off-road vehicle when on private property. It is now PA147. For additional information on the legislation, visit legislature.michigan.gov. Published: Fri, Jun 06, 2014