LANSING, MI-- Governor Rick Snyder has signed into law the final bill sponsored by the late Representative John Kivela.
The law increases penalties for illegally importing deer, elk, and moose carcasses into Michigan from another state or province. It aims to protect native herds from diseases that could spread. Increased penalties include up to 90 days in prison or fines between $500 and $2,000.
“John Kivela was a great friend and tremendous partner in our work to reinvent Michigan, and it’s an honor to be joined today by his family to sign his final bill into law,” Snyder said. “This legislation is symbolic of John’s memory and legacy of service to the Upper Peninsula and our entire state.”
Snyder was joined at the signing by Kivela’s wife Sandy, Daughter Shelby and son Andrew, along with other officials.
The bill is now Public Act 124 of 2017.
