Michigan House Bill HB6017

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/26/24
• Refer: 9/26/24
• Refer: 12/3/24
• Report Pass: 12/11/24

Caption

Crimes: animals; cross-reference in revised judicature act; update. Amends sec. 2950 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2950). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6015'24

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 6017 would facilitate a more comprehensive protective legal framework, allowing victims of domestic violence or threats to seek orders that not only safeguard their personal safety but also consider the safety of their pets. The bill's passage is expected to enhance the judicial response to increasingly recognized forms of domestic abuse, thus potentially impacting how cases involving animal custody are treated in the context of family law, alongside the enforcement of firearm restrictions against those under a PPO.

Summary

House Bill 6017 seeks to amend the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, specifically section 2950, to update provisions regarding personal protection orders (PPOs). This legislation expands the definitions and circumstances under which a PPO can be issued, including threats and harmful behavior towards pets, recognizing the importance of animal welfare in family protection scenarios. It grants individuals the right to petition against former spouses, individuals with whom they share children, and those with whom they have had a dating relationship, thereby broadening the scope of those who can seek legal protection.

Contention

Concerns surrounding HB 6017 include potential ambiguities in the law, particularly regarding the enforcement of animal welfare aspects within PPOs. Critics voice apprehensions about giving courts discretion over animal custody during domestic disputes, which could lead to disputes over what constitutes 'threatening behavior' towards an animal. There are also fears that the legislation may inadvertently complicate family law cases by introducing additional factors that the courts must consider, thus prolonging legal proceedings and making them more challenging for those seeking swift protection.