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
HB5263 is positioned to significantly alter the landscape of biological research within the state. By criminalizing pathogen enhancement activities, which can be deemed risky or unethical, the bill aims to prevent potential threats to public health that may arise from reckless experimentation. Additionally, the bill proposes a reward mechanism for individuals who report violations, thereby encouraging whistleblower engagement within biological research facilities. This aspect not only serves as a deterrent against misconduct but also fosters a culture of accountability and compliance in research environments.
Summary
House Bill 5263 is a legislative proposal aimed at regulating biological research activities, specifically targeting 'pathogen enhancement engineering or research.' The bill introduces a new section (2670) to the Michigan Public Health Code, which prohibits any form of experimentation that involves altering pathogens to enhance their transmissibility, pathogenicity, or virulence. Engaging in such activities is classified as a felony, which carries penalties of up to five years imprisonment and fines reaching $100,000. This legislative move reflects growing concerns regarding biosecurity and the implications of advanced research on public health.
Contention
Despite its aims to strengthen public health safety, HB5263 has sparked debates around scientific freedom and the implications of stringent regulations on research innovation. Critics argue that such prohibitive measures could hinder legitimate scientific research, particularly in areas focused on vaccine development and bioengineering. The reward provision for reporting could potentially lead to misuse or false reporting, impacting researchers' careers and research integrity. As the conversation around bioethics and public safety progresses, stakeholder opinions on the balance between safeguarding public health and promoting scientific inquiry will undoubtedly influence the bill's trajectory.
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: HB 5263'23
Health: research; funding for the prohibition of pathogen enhancement engineering or research; provide for. Creates appropriation act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0620'23
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: HB 5263'23
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)