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HB 6172

Animals: animal shelters; cross-references to 1969 PA 287 in public health code; update. Amends sec. 7333 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.7333). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6167'26

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Erin Byrnes and 7 co-sponsors

HB 6172 tightens control of euthanasia-related substances in shelters and Class B dealers, requiring training, permits, records, and oversight for safe use and handling.

bill electronically reproduced 07/03/2026
#animals:animalshelters #animals:other
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Bill Summary · HB 6172

Overview

  • Bill: HB 6172
  • Session: 2025-2026 (Michigan)
  • Committee: Regulatory Reform
  • Introduced: July 3, 2026
  • Principal aim: Amend the Public Health Code to address cross-references related to animal shelters and the use, handling, and regulation of euthanasia-related substances and trained personnel. The bill ties its enactment to a companion measure (HB 6167) and involves cross-references to 1969 PA 287 concerning animal shelters.

Purpose and Intent

  • Update and clarify provisions governing the possession, administration, and supervision of controlled substances and animal tranquilizers used for euthanasia and sedation in animal shelters, class B dealers, and animal control/animal protection shelters.
  • Establish training, recordkeeping, and oversight requirements for individuals who administer euthanasia-related substances.
  • Create permit and compliance structures to regulate how these substances are stored, handled, and used by shelters and dealers, with a focus on safety, proper credentials, and traceability.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Section 7333: Definitions and standards for good faith dispensing of controlled substances by practitioners and pharmacists, including criteria such as doctor-patient relationship consistency, prescription patterns, unusual dosages, and geographic considerations.
  • Permitting for Class B Dealers:
    • Allows Class B dealers to obtain a limited permit to buy, possess, and administer a premixed sodium pentobarbital solution (used for euthanasia) under strict rules.
    • Requirements to apply include designating in-charge personnel and individuals responsible for euthanasia operations; adherence to storage, handling, and security rules; obligation to maintain usable records available for inspection by multiple state and federal agencies.
    • Training prerequisite: minimum 16 hours of training (12 hours content, 4 hours practical) in the use of the premixed euthanasia solution, conducted by a licensed veterinarian under state rules, aligned with AVMA guidelines.
    • Transition rules: prior to 2022, training differed; post-2022, the described training is required.
    • Ongoing compliance: practitioners must be trained; if no trained staff are on site, the permit must be suspended until a trained employee is hired or trained.
  • Animal Control/Protection Shelters (1969 PA 287 cross-reference):
    • Similar permit framework to Class B dealers, permitting animal control or protection shelters to acquire and use premixed euthanasia solutions or animal tranquilizers for euthanasia or sedation.
    • Training and in-house management requirements parallel those for Class B dealers, including in-depth training (16 hours) and ongoing certification for individuals administering tranquilizers or euthanasia agents.
    • Clear recordkeeping obligations and inspections by relevant agencies.
    • Protections for veterinarians: vets are not civilly or criminally liable for the use of these substances by shelters/dealers unless the vet’s contract or employment requires the vet to supervise administration.
  • Animal tranquilizers defined:
    • Includes xylazine hydrochloride, ketamine solutions, or tiletamine/zolazepam combinations.
  • Training and supervision:
    • Emphasis on AVMA guidelines for euthanasia and required oversight by state veterinarian in consultation with the Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine.
    • Ongoing certifications for individuals in charge of day-to-day operations.
  • Recordkeeping:
    • Detailed listing of all trained individuals, with names and addresses, updated every six months.
    • Inspections and compliance with state and federal laws on controlled substances.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Class B dealers licensed by the USDA and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) under 1969 PA 224.
  • Animal control shelters and animal protection shelters registered/licensed under MDARD (1969 PA 287).
  • Veterinarians who train shelter staff or are otherwise involved in the administration and supervision of euthanasia or animal tranquilizers.
  • Shelter staff and employees who handle, administer, or supervise euthanasia or sedation procedures.
  • Licensing and regulatory agencies (Departments of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Development, and USDA) for oversight and inspections.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective date: The act states it does not take effect unless a companion bill (S02817'25/HB 6167'25) is enacted into law. This creates a tie-bar with HB 6167.
  • Implementation relies on promulgation of related rules and adherence to federal and state requirements for controlled substances and animal welfare.
  • Ongoing compliance involves updating training lists every six months and ensuring staff are appropriately certified.
  • Transitional provisions reference training requirements evolving around December 31, 2021, and January 1, 2022, indicating phased updates to the regulatory regime.

Potential Impacts

  • Strengthened regulatory framework for euthanasia-related substances to improve safety, traceability, and professional oversight at shelters and dealers.
  • Increased training requirements for staff who administer euthanasia or sedation agents, with clear accountability and inspection rights for authorities.
  • Enhanced protections for veterinarians, limiting liability unless explicitly tied to employment/contractual obligations.
  • Possible operational changes for shelters and dealers, including scheduling for staff training, recordkeeping, and compliance monitoring.

Note: The summary focuses on the substantive provisions as presented in the introduced text and reflects cross-references to related bills and statutes as described.

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

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