2025 Senate Bill 294

Crimes: animals; restitution for care and treatment of certain forfeited animals; impose penalty on ownership of animal to person convicted of certain crimes against animal.

A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The Michigan penal code,” by amending section 50b (MCL 750.50b), as amended by 2018 PA 452.

Official record

AI Analysis – Experimental

Amends the Michigan Penal Code to enhance penalties for animal cruelty, establish procedures for the seizure and forfeiture of animals, and provide exceptions for lawful activities, aiming to strengthen animal protection and accountability measures.

Introduced in the Senate

May 13, 2025

Introduced by Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-5) and four co-sponsors

Co-sponsored by Sens. Rosemary Bayer (D-13), Sue Shink (D-14), Stephanie Chang (D-3) and Erika Geiss (D-1)

Referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety

Sept. 11, 2025

Reported without amendment

Sept. 16, 2025

Referred to the Committee of the Whole

Sept. 17, 2025

Reported without amendment

Sept. 18, 2025

Passed in the Senate 29 to 4 (details)

Received in the House

Sept. 18, 2025

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

July 2, 2026

Discharged from committee

July 3, 2026

Passed in the House 84 to 24 (details)

Motion to give immediate effect by Rep. Bryan Posthumus (R-90)

The motion prevailed by voice vote

Received in the Senate

July 3, 2026

Motion to give immediate effect by Sen. Sam Singh (D-28)

The motion prevailed by voice vote