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HB 4650

Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for crimes against animals; revise. Amends sec. 39, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.39). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4646'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Aragona and 6 co-sponsors

Michigan bill revises criminal sentencing guidelines for animal cruelty offenses to adjust judicial penalty requirements, pending companion legislation.

bill electronically reproduced 06/12/2025
#crimes:animals #criminalprocedure:sentencingguidelines
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Bill Summary · HB 4650

Legislative bill overview

HB 4650 amends Michigan's criminal sentencing guidelines to revise how judges sentence individuals convicted of crimes against animals. The bill modifies Section 39 of the state's sentencing guidelines framework, though the specific sentencing adjustments are not detailed in the available bill summary. It is tied to companion bill HB 4646, suggesting coordinated legislative action on animal crime penalties.

Why is this important

Animal cruelty laws affect how courts determine appropriate punishments for offenses ranging from neglect to abuse. Revising sentencing guidelines can influence whether sentences become more or less severe, affecting both animal welfare enforcement and criminal justice outcomes. This change may reflect legislative concerns about current penalty levels for animal crimes.

Potential points of contention

  • Severity direction unclear: The bill summary does not specify whether sentencing guidelines are being increased or decreased, making it difficult to assess whether this toughens or softens penalties for animal crimes
  • Companion bill dependency: The tie-bar with HB 4646 means this bill's full impact cannot be assessed independently; both must pass together for intended effect
  • Scope of "crimes against animals": Uncertainty about whether revisions apply broadly to all animal offenses or target specific categories (felony abuse, neglect, fighting, etc.)

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

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