Bill > HB4650

This bill amends the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure by modifying the sentencing guidelines' Offense Variable 9, which calculates the number of victims in a criminal case. The bill introduces new provisions specifically addressing companion animals, expanding the scoring system to include points for harm to animals alongside existing points for human victims. Specifically, the bill adds scoring categories for multiple companion animals killed (50 points), multiple companion animals placed in danger of physical injury or death (15 points), and 2 to 9 companion animals placed in danger (5 points). The bill maintains the existing point structure for human victims while creating parallel categories for companion animals. The scoring continues to prioritize the severity of harm, with higher points assigned for more victims or greater danger. Additionally, the bill includes a conditional enactment clause, stipulating that these changes will only take effect if House Bill 4646 is also enacted into law. This modification suggests a legislative intent to provide more comprehensive protection and recognition of companion animals in criminal sentencing guidelines.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4650