Michigan Pet Alliance uses Attorneys for Animals’ legislative tracker to organize and review pending legislation in Michigan.
Current legislation supported by Michigan Pet Alliance in 2025:
MPA Animal Welfare License Plate – SB 106
Creates Michigan’s first pet-friendly license plate to help fund spay/neuter initiatives and training programs for animal welfare organizations across the state.
June 24, 2025: SB 106 passed the Senate and heads to the House this fall.
Teddy’s Law – SB 223
Last session, a watered-down version of Teddy’s Law passed. Reporting requirements, which held research facilities accountable and provided a degree of transparency, were removed from the bill.
MPA and other animal welfare advocates have not stopped fighting for the real Teddy’s Law. SB 223 will reinstate the reporting requirements.
June 11, 2025: SB 223 passed out of its assigned Senate committee along party lines with four votes in favor and three votes against. Teddy’s Law awaits a vote by the full Senate.
Queenie’s Law – HB 4254 / SB 127
Prohibits conducting research or training activities on dogs in a manner that causes pain or distress. Referred to House committee on regulatory reform.
Buddy’s Law – HB 4130/4131/4132
Updates the animal sheltering law regarding what constitutes adequate shelter throughout Michigan, so that all animals are protected equally and all owners are held to the same standards. Provides law enforcement agencies with a clear set of guidelines to help them assess whether or not an animal is being housed appropriately.
Outdoor Dining – SB 200
Allows dogs to be present in outdoor seating at restaurants. Referred to Senate committee on economic and community development.
Telehealth Bills – HB 4220/4221/SB 193/194
Removes the requirement that a veterinarian-patient relationship be established in person prior to a telehealth appointment, reverting back to the same practice that worked well during the COVID-19 pandemic. This change is necessary to reduce barriers and to increase access to much needed vet care for families and animal shelters.
CAAP – HB 4300
Allows law students and attorneys to act pro bono to represent an animal’s interests in cruelty, neglact and welfare prosecutions, a program of Animal Legal Defense Fund, administered by the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Supported by Attorneys for Animals, an MPA member organization.
Bond and Forfeiture Bills – SB 293/294
Creates an effective bond-or-forfeit process, including allowing animals to be housed and cared for in foster care programs. The current process requires seized animals, who have already suffered abuse or neglect, to continue to suffer as the system forces them to endure months or years in a holding facility until disposition can be made. Referred to the Senate committee on civil rights, judiciary, and public safety.