LANSING, MI -- Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday signed into law legislation to update wetland management and alcohol sales rules.

Senate Bill 163, sponsored by Sen. Mike Green, R-Mayville and approved mostly along party lines, clarifies permit requirements related to Michigan's wetlands protection law. Michigan is one of only two states that manages wetlands such as swamps, marshes and bogs.

Supporters say the new law will simplify the permitting process to make it easier for developers and landowners to comply. Critics, such as the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, say the law will "weaken protections" and could conflict with Environmental Protection Agency standards.

The Snyder administration said the changes were necessary following a 2008 audit by the EPA that cited numerous inconsistencies between state and federal law. A Wetlands Advisory Council was formed in 2009 and issues its recommendations in 2012, many of which were included in the legislation, now Public Act 98 of 2013.

"Michigan is best served when people right here in Michigan make decisions regarding our resources," Snyder said in a release announcing the signing.

"We committed early in this administration to keep the state wetlands program. That requires us to make changes to address the federal audit, and ensure we provide clarity and workable, protective solutions for all kinds of Michiganders who interact with wetlands – be they farmers, utilities, local road managers or homeowners."

The Michigan House passed legislation to let bars and restaurants obtain special licenses to sell growlers of beer for consumers to take home.

Snyder also signed Senate Bill 27, sponsored by Sen. Dave Hildenbrand, R-Lowell, that will allow bars and restaurants to sell refillable beer growlers for off-site consumption. It is now Public Act 101 of 2013.

Existing law allows breweries to sell growlers, and the new measure will allow bars and restaurants to do the same. They will have to obtain a specially designated merchants license and pay a $100 annual fee. While they will be able to sell any beer they like, industry leaders have said they expect the new law will cater to the craft beer community.

"There's a real demand out there for craft beer, and the craft brew drinker, they use growlers," Justin Winslow, vice president for government affairs at the Michigan Restaurant Association, told MLive last month. "I think our members are certainly willing to make that available to them."

The governor also signed the following bills Tuesday:

School dissolution: HB 4813 and 4815 , sponsored by state Rep. Bill Rogers, R-Brighton, will permit state officials to dissolve the financially burdened Buena Vista and Inkster Public Schools. Snyder said Tuesday that he expects the process will begin quickly to give parents and students time to prepare for the fall. They are now PA 96 and 97 of 2013. Read more >>

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Jonathan Oosting is a Capitol reporter for MLive Media Group. Email him, find him on Google+ or follow him on Twitter.