Capitol News

State Representative Tom Kunse (R-Clare) has commended the Michigan House of Representatives for passing his legislative proposal that would require state environmental and natural resources officers to obtain a warrant before entering private property.

The legislation, introduced as House Bills 4073 and 4421, aims to ensure that officers from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) secure a warrant prior to conducting inspections or investigations on privately owned land.

“No government agency should have the power to walk onto someone’s property without permission or a warrant,” said Kunse. “These bills restore a basic constitutional protection and make sure state agencies operate with the same accountability as local law enforcement.”

Under current law, DNR and EGLE officials are permitted to enter private property for inspections or investigations without first obtaining a warrant. The new bills seek to change this by establishing explicit legal requirements so that these agencies follow the same constitutional standards as other government entities when accessing private land.

“Protecting our environment should never come at the expense of people’s privacy and property rights,” Kunse said. “This plan ensures both can coexist.”