Bill > HB4050

This bill amends the Michigan Right to Farm Act by adding provisions specifically addressing egg-laying hens in residential areas. The bill requires the Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development to develop and adopt generally accepted agricultural and management practices for rearing egg-laying hens in primarily residential areas by October 1, 2025. These practices will include specific standards: properties must be at least 1/4 acre in size, and the number of hens cannot exceed 5 per 1/4 acre or a total of 25 hens, whichever is less. The bill also modifies existing provisions related to complaint investigations, environmental oversight, and interactions between agricultural operations and local governments. It maintains the act's existing framework for handling complaints about farm operations, including requirements for on-site inspections, notifications to local governments, and procedures for addressing potential violations. The bill continues to emphasize the state's intent to preempt local ordinances that might conflict with agricultural management practices and provides mechanisms for local governments to propose alternative standards with state review. Notably, the bill will only take effect if a companion House Bill (HB 4049) is also enacted into law, creating a legislative tie bar to ensure coordinated implementation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4050