A study resolution intended to look at the sell of round timber wood was originated by the Senate committee for natural resources Tuesday morning.
Committee Chair, Mark Maynard, R-Wayne, explained that the resolution arose following “push back” surrounding House Bill 2718, a bill which would require purchasers of roundwood to collect and maintain certain information regarding the buying and selling of the wood. The bill originally passed out of the House
In an explanation provided by counsel, members learned that the objective of the resolution would be to investigate the buying and selling of roundwood in the state while also tracking records which are distributed during transactions. Counsel stated that the resolution would aid establish violation standards and a fine of $1,000 to $3,000 for not distributing records during an transaction.
Jason Webb from the Land and Mineral Owner Association came before the committee to explain that the House Bill 2718 was a direct result of a similar bill passed in 2012 which required the sellers of roundwood to keep records. Webb stated that since the passage of the bill, crimes in which round timber wood has been stolen and sold without records have significantly increased. The objective of this study resolution would intend for an increase in record keeping to aid in potential crimes according to Webb.
Following discussion of this resolution, the committee motioned to report to the resolution to the full Senate with the recommendation of passage.
