Bill > HB4738

This bill amends the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure by modifying the sentencing guidelines for offenses related to law enforcement and search and rescue animals. Specifically, the bill updates the classification and statutory references for crimes involving killing or causing serious physical harm to police dogs, police horses, and search and rescue dogs. The bill changes the statute numbers for these offenses from 750.50c(5) and 750.50c(7) to 750.50c(6) and 750.50c(8), respectively, and adds a new provision at 750.50c(9) that specifically addresses killing or causing serious physical harm to a law enforcement animal or search and rescue dog while committing another crime. The new provision is classified as a Class H felony with a maximum sentence of 2 years. These changes are part of a broader effort to provide legal protections for working animals that assist law enforcement and emergency services. The bill will take effect 90 days after being enacted into law, contingent upon the passage of a related House Bill (HB 4732).

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4738