Michigan House Bill HB4277

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/14/23
• Refer: 3/14/23

Caption

Animals: research facilities; reporting requirements and penalties for noncompliance; provide for. Amends sec. 12 of 1969 PA 224 (MCL 287.392) & adds secs. 11a & 12a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4278'23

Impact

The proposed amendments will have a significant impact on state laws related to animal research. By establishing these new reporting requirements, the bill seeks to ensure that laboratories maintain better records of animal use, which could lead to improved animal welfare practices. Moreover, the introduction of administrative fines for violations indicates a stricter enforcement approach towards regulatory compliance, potentially discouraging negligent practices within research facilities.

Summary

House Bill 4277 aims to amend the existing 1969 Public Act 224, which governs the licensing and regulation of dealers and research facilities that use dogs and cats for research. The bill introduces new reporting requirements for research facilities that utilize laboratory animals, mandating annual reports to be submitted by March 31 each year. These reports must detail the number of laboratory animals owned, used for research, and released, along with the names of animal shelters involved in the release process. This is intended to enhance transparency and oversight of laboratory animal use in research settings.

Contention

Notably, the bill also establishes a system of administrative fines for research facilities that violate the regulations concerning animal handling, with fines varying based on the number of animals involved in the violation. Concerns may arise around the implications of these fines and whether they could place a financial burden on smaller research entities. Critics might argue that while accountability is crucial, overly severe penalties could hinder research progress. Furthermore, the interaction of this bill with other legislative proposals, notably tied with House Bill 4278, necessitates careful examination to understand its full implications for animal research regulation.