Michigan Senate Bill SB0149

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/24
• Refer: 3/7/23
• Report Pass: 6/14/23
• Refer: 6/14/23
• Report Pass: 6/28/23
• Engrossed: 6/28/23
• Refer: 6/28/23
• Report Pass: 10/4/23
• Enrolled: 11/9/23
• Chaptered: 12/29/23
• Passed: 12/29/23

Caption

Animals: research facilities; certain research facilities to offer certain laboratory animals for adoption before euthanization; require. Amends title & secs. 1 & 7 of 1969 PA 224 (MCL 287.381 & 287.387) & adds sec. 8a. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0148'23

Impact

The enactment of SB0149 will amend the existing act regulating the licensing and oversight of individuals and facilities engaged in the sale, transportation, and care of laboratory animals. It mandates that facilities must maintain comprehensive records of their dealings with animals and submit annual reports to ensure transparency and accountability in animal welfare. The bill also promises immunity from civil liability for facilities that adhere to the outlined protocols, encouraging compliance with new regulations.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 149, known as Teddys Law, aims to improve the welfare of laboratory animals by requiring research facilities to offer dogs and cats no longer needed for research to animal protection shelters for adoption before euthanization. This legislation seeks to enhance the rehoming of laboratory animals, thereby reducing the number that may be subjected to euthanasia unnecessarily. The bill includes provisions for the regulation of dealers and the establishment of a licensing scheme for entities that handle such animals in the research context.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB0149 appears to be positive, particularly among animal advocacy groups who view this legislation as a meaningful step toward improving the treatment of laboratory animals. However, some concerns were expressed regarding the implications of the adoption process and the risks associated with former laboratory animals, including health and behavioral issues. Balancing these concerns is crucial for ensuring that the bill's implementation benefits both the animals and their new adopters.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the potential risks and liabilities for both research facilities and animal protection shelters when adopting out former laboratory animals. The requirement that shelters must acknowledge and assume responsibility for any behavioral or health issues present before placing these animals for adoption has raised discussions about the adequacy of such agreements. Additionally, the bill's prerequisite for enactment—its tie to Senate Bill No. 148—could influence its immediate future, subjecting it to further legislative negotiations.