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HB 6278

Animals: animal shelters; cross-references to 1969 PA 287 in animal welfare fund act; update. Amends sec. 2 of 2007 PA 132 (MCL 287.992).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Skaggs

Updates the Animal Welfare Fund Act definitions to require vets involved with the fund to practice in Michigan, tightening eligibility and alignment with shelter licensing.

bill electronically reproduced 12/10/2024
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Bill Summary · HB 6278

HB 6278 — Summary (Animals: animal shelters; updates to Animal Welfare Fund Act definitions)

Status: Introduced Dec. 10, 2024 (Rep. Phil Skaggs). Referred to Committee on Government Operations; subsequently heard by Joint Committee on Environment. Favorably reported and placed on House calendar (House Calendar No. 449, File No. 718). Bill electronically reproduced 12/10/2024.

Purpose

HB 6278 makes targeted revisions to the definition section (section 2, MCL 287.992) of the Animal Welfare Fund Act (2007 PA 132). The changes primarily update statutory cross-references and clarify who qualifies as a “qualified veterinarian” and what is meant by “state animal anticruelty laws.” The measure is technical in scope — it adjusts definitions used to administer the animal welfare fund.

Key provisions

  • Amends section 2 of 2007 PA 132 (MCL 287.992) to revise and clarify definitions:
    • “Animal control shelter” and “animal protection shelter”: now explicitly defined by reference to section 1 of 1969 PA 287 (MCL 287.331) and identified as facilities licensed under section 4 of 1969 PA 287 (MCL 287.334).
    • “Department”: defined as the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
    • “Fund”: defined as the animal welfare fund created in section 3 of the act.
    • “Qualified veterinarian”: now defined as a person licensed or otherwise authorized to practice veterinary medicine under part 188 of article 15 of the Public Health Code (1978 PA 368, MCL 333.18801–333.18838), and who practices veterinary medicine in Michigan.
    • “State animal anticruelty laws”: defined to mean the laws and standards in chapter IX of the Michigan Penal Code (1931 PA 328, MCL 750.49–750.70), explicitly including section 50(8) (MCL 750.50).
  • Enacting condition: The amendatory act does not take effect unless a specified companion Senate or House bill (request no. 06071'24 of the 102nd Legislature) is enacted.

Who is affected

  • Animal control and protection shelters (as licensees under 1969 PA 287) — by clarified statutory reference.
  • Veterinarians who interact with the animal welfare fund or program — the definition expressly requires practicing in Michigan, which may exclude out-of-state credentialed veterinarians from qualifying roles under the act.
  • Department of Agriculture and Rural Development — responsible for administering the fund under the clarified definitions.
  • Applicants for grants, services, or other benefits under the animal welfare fund — eligibility and administrative interpretation may be affected by the clarified definitions.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced Dec. 10, 2024; public hearing held Mar. 24, 2025; reported favorably by committee and placed on House calendar April 16, 2025.
  • The amendment is conditional and will not take effect unless the specified companion bill is enacted.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Largely technical/clarifying rather than programmatic: no appropriation or new program authorized in the text provided.
  • The added requirement that a “qualified veterinarian” practice in Michigan may narrow who may serve in roles tied to the fund (e.g., performing services invoiced to or reimbursed by the fund).
  • Cross-referencing the 1969 PA 287 licensing provisions aligns the Animal Welfare Fund Act’s terminology with shelter licensing law, reducing ambiguity in administration and enforcement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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