Health: research; pathogen enhancement engineering or research; prohibit and provide for a reward in certain situations. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 2670.
Impact
This bill represents a significant strengthening of regulations surrounding pathogen handling and research within the state. It establishes strict penalties for infringement, which underscores the seriousness with which the state is treating the potential risks associated with pathogen manipulation. Additionally, the bill introduces an incentivized reporting system, where individuals can be rewarded for reporting violations of the law. This approach is intended to encourage whistleblowing and reporting of unethical research practices, thereby enhancing overall public health safety. Education materials will also be made available to research facility employees to raise awareness about these regulations.
Summary
Senate Bill 620 aims to prohibit pathogen enhancement engineering or research in Michigan. The bill amends the Public Health Code by adding a new section that explicitly makes it illegal for any person to conduct similar research activities. The legislation is particularly focused on enhancing the control and oversight of biological research to ensure public safety and prevent harmful alterations of pathogens that could lead to potential health risks. If enacted, violations of this bill would constitute a felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
Contention
There may be points of contention regarding the implications of such strict regulations on scientific research. Critics might argue that the prohibition could stifle legitimate scientific inquiry and progress in areas such as disease prevention and treatment. The concerns about overreach and reduced research freedom are likely to be at the forefront of discussions among stakeholders in the scientific community. Ensuring that legitimate research is not hindered while maintaining public safety will likely be a balancing act for legislators considering the bill.
Health: research; pathogen enhancement engineering or research; prohibit and provide for a reward in certain situations. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 2670.
Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; pathogen enhancement engineering or research; prohibit and provide for a reward in certain situations. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 2670.
Health: research; funding for the prohibition of pathogen enhancement engineering or research; provide for. Creates appropriation act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0620'23
Health: research; funding for the prohibition of pathogen enhancement engineering or research; provide for. Creates appropriation act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5263'23
Animals: care and treatment; conducting of research or training activities on cats or dogs in a manner that causes pain or distress; prohibit. Amends secs. 2674, 2675 & 2678 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2674 et seq.); adds secs. 2670 & 2675a & repeals secs. 2672 & 2673 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2672 & 333.2673).
Animals: care and treatment; conducting of research or training activities on dogs in a manner that causes pain or distress; prohibit. Amends secs. 2674, 2675 & 2678 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2674 et seq.); adds secs. 2670 & 2675a & repeals secs. 2672 & 2673 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2672 & 333.2673).
Animals: care and treatment; conducting of research or training activities on dogs in a manner that causes pain or distress; prohibit. Amends secs. 2674, 2675 & 2678 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2674 et seq.); adds secs. 2670 & 2675a & repeals secs. 2672 & 2673 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2672 & 333.2673).
Animals: care and treatment; conducting of research or training activities on dogs in a manner that causes pain or distress; prohibit. Amends secs. 2674, 2675 & 2678 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2674 et seq.); adds secs. 2670 & 2675a & repeals secs. 2672 & 2673 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2672 & 333.2673).
Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for conducting pathogen enhancement engineering or research; provide for. Amends sec. 13k of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.13k). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0620'23
Prohibiting institutions of higher education from conducting gain of function research on potentially pandemic pathogens, requiring reporting of the intention to conduct research on potentially pandemic pathogens, and providing a penalty. (FE)