UNFIT WORK HORSES & MULES H.B. 5775:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
House Bill 5775 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Representative Roger Hauck
CONTENT
The bill would repeal Section 59 of the Michigan Penal Code, which makes it a misdemeanor for a person to sell, offer to sell, or trade any horse or mule that, by reason of debility, disease, lameness, injury, or any other cause, is permanently unfit for work, except to a person operating a horse hospital, animal retreat farm, or other place designed or maintained for the humane keeping, treatment, or killing of horses, mules, or other livestock.
Additionally, under Section 59, it is a misdemeanor for a person to lead, drive, or ride a horse or mule that, due to debility, disease, lameness, injury, or any other cause, is permanently unfit for work, on any public way for any purpose, except for conveying the animal to a proper place for humane keeping, killing, or medical or surgical treatment.
MCL 750.59 Legislative Analyst: Stephen Jackson
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State and likely no fiscal impact on local government. It is unknown whether any individual would be charged or convicted of a misdemeanor under the provision being repealed, but any reduction in misdemeanor arrests and convictions would reduce resource demands on law enforcement, courts, community corrections, and jails. Any reduced fine revenue would reduce revenue for public libraries.
Date Completed: 6-7-18 Fiscal Analyst: Ryan Bergan
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.