Animals: animal shelters; cross-references to 1969 PA 287 in dog law of 1919; update. Amends sec. 14a of 1919 PA 339 (MCL 287.274a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6167'26

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Erin Byrnes and 5 co-sponsors

The bill requires dog license issuers to inform owners about microchip implantation and dog registration services at licensing.

bill electronically reproduced 07/03/2026

#animals:animalshelters #animals:other

Overview

HB 6168 (Michigan, 2025-2026) amends the Dog Law of 1919 (PA 339 of 1919) to require disclosure to dog owners at the time of issuing a dog license about the availability of microchip implantation and dog registration services. The bill references and cross-links to the definitions and framework for animal control shelters and animal protection shelters as established in the Michigan Animal Welfare Act (PA 287 of 1969) and its implementing rules.

Note: The enactment is contingent on passage of HB 6167 or S02817'25, i.e., the companion or tie-bar legislation in the same session.

Purpose and intent

Increase owner awareness of microchipping options and registration services for dogs.

Tie the information requirement to the licensing process to promote broader microchip adoption and animal identification.

Integrate dog licensing practices with the broader framework for animal control and protection shelters under the 1969 animal welfare laws.

Key provisions

Section 14a (amending MCL 287.274a, as amended by 2022 PA 120):

When issuing a dog license under section 14, the issuing official (county treasurer, city clerk, city treasurer, township treasurer, or an authorized agent such as a veterinarian, animal control shelter, or animal protection shelter) must provide information to the dog owner about:
The availability of microchip implantation.
Registration for dogs by a veterinarian, animal control shelter, or animal protection shelter.
Definitions:
“Animal control shelter” and “animal protection shelter” are defined as in section 1 of PA 287 (MCL 287.331) and are facilities registered and licensed with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development under section 6 of PA 287 (MCL 287.336).

Enacting/Effective clause:

The act’s effect is contingent upon enactment of HB 6167 or S02817'25 (tie-bar legislation) in the 103rd Legislature. If those measures do not pass, this amendments does not take effect.

Who/what is affected

Dog owners receiving licenses under Michigan’s Dog Law (PA 339 of 1919, as amended).

Local and state officials and offices responsible for issuing dog licenses (county treasurers, city clerks, city treasurers, township treasurers, and their authorized agents, including veterinarians and animal shelters).

Animal control shelters and animal protection shelters (as defined and regulated under PA 287 of 1969) by ensuring they participate in the information ecosystem for microchips and registration.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill was introduced on July 3, 2026 and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform.

It includes a tie-bar requirement: the new provision takes effect only if HB 6167 or S02817'25 is enacted into law in the same legislative session.

Indicates cross-references to existing statutory definitions and regulatory frameworks for shelters, ensuring consistency with current animal welfare laws.

Potential impact

Potentially higher rates of dog microchipping and registration as more owners are informed at the licensing point of sale.

Encourages alignment between licensing processes and animal welfare shelter services.

Administrative impact on licensing offices to provide standardized information; potential need for updated scripts, materials, or digital communications.

Incremental regulatory alignment across dog licensing and animal sheltering under Michigan’s animal welfare code.