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Legislation watch
2013 Senate Bill 48: Ease bear cub "petting zoo" restriction
Public Act 8 of 2013
Introduced by Sen. Tom Casperson R-Escanaba on January 16, 2013
To exempt bear cubs up to 36 weeks old from restrictions on the possession and handling of large carnivores that are older than 20 weeks. This would allow "petting zoos" and operations like Oswald's Bear Ranch in Newberry (whose being shut down led to the bill's introduction) to let members of the public have contact with bear cubs. Official Text and Analysis.
Referred to the Senate Agriculture Committee on January 16, 2013
Reported in the Senate on February 5, 2013
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Received in the House on February 14, 2013
Referred to the House Agriculture Committee on February 14, 2013
Reported in the House on February 20, 2013
Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.
Amendment offered by Rep. Kevin Daley R-Attica on March 6, 2013
To "grandfather" existing bear cub petting establishments, but ban any new ones.
The amendment passed by voice vote in the House on March 6, 2013
To exempt current operations that permit the public to come into contact with bear cubs less than 36 weeks old and 90 pounds, but ban new ones. Reportedly the bill was introduced after Oswald's Bear Ranch in Newberry was ordered to halt this activity.
Received in the Senate on March 12, 2013
To concur with the House-passed version of the bill, which "grandfathers" existing bear cub petting operations but prohibits new ones.
Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder on March 26, 2013