ELECTRONIC DOG LICENSE APPLICATIONS

House Bill 4324

Sponsor:  Rep. Chuck Moss

Committee:  Agriculture

Complete to 5-12-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4324 AS INTRODUCED 2-18-09

The bill would amend the Dog Law of 1919, which requires dog owners to apply to the county treasurer (or, in some cases, to the township or city treasurer) for a license for each dog four months old or older kept by the owner.  Unless the county has adopted a different schedule, or allows multi-year licenses, the owner must apply for a dog license each year before March 1.  Currently, every application must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate, signed by an accredited veterinarian, showing that the dog received a federally-approved rabies vaccine, and including the veterinarian's opinion as to the month and year that the rabies vaccination will expire. 

House Bill 4324 would allow a dog owner to apply for a dog license electronically without providing a rabies vaccination certificate, if the dog was licensed the previous year and the rabies vaccination certificate on file with the county, township, or city treasurer (or the treasurer's authorized agent) is still valid.

All other current provisions of the Dog Law would be retained.

MCL 287.266

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no apparent fiscal impact on the state or local units of government. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   William E. Hamilton

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.