Current legislation supported by Michigan Pet Alliance in the 2025-2026 session:
PASSED. MPA Animal Welfare License Plate – SB 106
Creates Michigan’s first pet-friendly fundraising license plate to help fund spay/neuter initiatives and training programs for animal welfare organizations and pets across the state.
MPA Fundraising License Plate Fact Sheet
July 27, 2026: Governor signs SB 106 into law with immediate effect.
July 9, 2026: SB 106 passed the House.
June 24, 2025: SB 106 passed the Senate and heads to the House this fall.
Strengthened Teddy’s Law – SB 1166
Reinstates animal research facilities’ reporting requirements and mandates that dogs are offered for adoption prior to being killed.
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.
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.
TNR Protection – HB 6317
Clarifies that returning a vaccinated and neutered cat to its original location is not considered abandonment; encourages community TNR programs
Ending Declaw – HB 5208
Prohibits cat declaw procedures unless medically necessary
Insurance BSL – HB 5580
Prohibits property insurance denial, cancellation or increased premiums for dog owners, based solely on breed
Official State Pet – HB 6398
Designates the shelter pet as the official state pet of Michigan
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.
PASSED. 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.
July 27, 2026: Governor signs SB 293/294 into law with immediate effect.
July 9, 2026: SB 293/294 passed the legislature.
Additional priorities for the 2027-2028 legislative session:
- Make Michigan Next: Prohibits breed discrimination by government agencies
- Inclusive Housing: Promotes inclusive and equitable housing policies for pet families
Michigan Pet Alliance worked with its partners and legislators to introduce and/or pass:
- MPA Animal Welfare License Plate (SB 106): Creates Michigan’s first pet-friendly license plate to help fund spay/neuter initiatives and training programs
- Bond and Forfeiture (SB 293/294): Creates an effective bond-or-forfeit process, including allowing animals to be housed and cared for in foster care programs
- Teddy’s Law (SB 223): Requires animal research facilities to offer dogs for adoption prior to being killed and to report those outcomes (reporting requirements were removed)