State Lawmakers Grill DNR, Pass Anti-Bot Legislation Amid New AG Policy Debate

LANSING, Mich. — June 26, 2025

Michigan House lawmakers had a busy day Wednesday as they took the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to task during a committee hearing, approved new legislation aimed at combating ticket-purchasing bots, and debated a controversial prosecutorial policy shift.

Rock musician and outspoken outdoorsman Ted Nugent testified before lawmakers, accusing the DNR of unfair fines and misconduct toward hunters and anglers. His comments spurred criticism from legislators, including State Representative Ken Borton.

Borton, speaking on 1320 WILS, highlighted a lack of transparency from the DNR. “He asked the DNR for some specific information on an undercover operation that they did on a business in the UP, and they came back and told her, ‘We probably will be able to get you that information next February.’ That’s ridiculous,” Borton said.

Meanwhile, the House approved a package of so-called “Taylor Swift bills,” designed to crack down on automated bots that scoop up concert and sports tickets in bulk. Lawmakers say the legislation will help protect consumers from inflated resale prices caused by scalping software.

Another major point of discussion centered on a new state policy requiring that felony investigations involving state employees be referred directly to the Attorney General, bypassing local prosecutors.

Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd voiced concerns on 1320 WILS, saying the policy undermines local authority. “If it’s a misdemeanor it’s going to your local county prosecutor, but if it was a felony drunk driving, that case is going to go to the Attorney General. Why is it that the local official is good enough to review a misdemeanor but not a felony?” Lloyd questioned.

In Sports:
The Detroit Tigers face off in the rubber match of their three-game series against the Oakland Athletics this afternoon at Comerica Park. The Lansing Lugnuts host Dayton tonight at Jackson Field. And in the NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons hold the 37th overall pick as the second round continues.