We are about three-quarters of the way through the 2023-24 Michigan legislative session, and I have some good news to share about our highest legislative priorities – SB 657 and SB 658, the bond-or-forfeit bills, and HB 5587 – 5593, the sentencing guidelines bills.
Bond-or-forfeit Bills
These bills would amend Michigan’s anti-cruelty and anti-neglect statutes to create a more effective process to allow an agency that seizes an animal to obtain a cost-of-care bond or ownership of the animal through forfeiture when the defendant charged with animal cruelty or neglect is also the animal’s owner. The bills were introduced in November 2023. They were assigned to the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety committee, which took testimony on the bills in two hearings in February 2024. On June 18, 2024, the bills passed the Senate. They have been transferred to the House Criminal Justice committee.
Sentencing Guidelines Bills
Bills to amend Michigan’s sentencing guidelines to ensure that more appropriate sentences are given in cases of felony cruelty against companion animals were introduced in March 2024. They were assigned to the House Criminal Justice committee, which heard testimony on the bills on May 21, 2024. On June 4, 2024, the committee voted to send the bills to the House floor with a recommendation that they pass. On June 20, 2024, the bills passed the House with a strong bipartisan vote. The bill package has been transferred to the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety committee.
Thank you to everyone who reached out to their elected officials in support of these bills! Your efforts had a real impact, and we are grateful for your participation in the advocacy process.
The Senate and House will be on summer recess after June 27, with few (if any) session days held during the months of July and August. Both chambers will return after the Labor Day holiday, but their committee and session schedules will likely be limited due to the 2024 elections. We will be working hard to get hearings on both bill packages as soon as possible after the legislators return from summer recess.
We are going to keep working to improve animal welfare and create a more humane community while serving as a voice for the animals through advocacy. Together, we can continue to make a difference in animals’ lives. If you know someone who you think would be interested in this information, please forward this to them and encourage them to sign up for our Legislative Action Network.