Wetland Definition Statutory Update (HB5536)

Current understanding

HB5536 proposes to amend sections 30301, 30307, and 30308 of Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451) to update the statutory definition of ‘wetland’ and related provisions in Part 303. The bill has passed one chamber. If enacted, changes to the core definition could affect which parcels fall under state wetland jurisdiction, with downstream implications for permitting, delineation, and mitigation requirements for landowners, developers, and regulators.

Evidence log

• 2026-06-04 — Natural resources: wetlands; definition of wetland; update. Amends secs. 30301, 30307 & 30308 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.30301 et seq.).: cross-connection with wetlands-delineation: HB5536 (definition of wetland) and HB5082 (delineation rules) both amend Part 303 of 1994 PA 451; the definitional update sets the scope on which the delineation procedures operate. (novelty: 2)

Open questions

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