MINIMUM SPACE FOR EGG-LAYING HENS;
MOVE REQUIREMENT EFFECTIVE DATE
House Bill 5987 as introduced
Sponsor: Rep. Dan Lauwers
Committee: Agriculture
Complete to 11-7-16
SUMMARY:
House Bill 5987 would amend Section 46 of the Animal Industry Act by extending the deadline from 2020 to 2025 for compliance with certain provisions relating to minimum space requirements for egg-laying hens. The bill would take effect 90 days after the date it is enacted into law.
Presently, a farm owner or operator cannot tether or confine any "covered animal" on a farm for all, or the majority of, any day in a manner that prevents that animal from either lying down, standing up, or fully extending its limbs, or turning around freely.
The term "covered animal" means "any gestating sow, calf raised for veal, or egg-laying hen that is kept on a farm."
Ø For egg-laying hens, the requirement is scheduled to take effect on March 31, 2020 (ten years after the effective date of the PA 117 of 2009, which added the requirement.) The bill would move that date to October 12, 2025.
Ø For gestating sows, the requirement is scheduled to take effect on March 31, 2020 (ten years after the effective date of PA 117.) The bill would change that date by one day, to April 1, 2020.
Ø For calves raised for veal, the requirement has been in effect since October 1, 2012. The bill does not change this, and removes the effective date provision since the date has passed.
These provisions do not apply to a covered animal during any of the following:
o Scientific or agricultural research.
o Examination, testing, individual treatment, or operation for veterinary purposes, by a person licensed to practice veterinary medicine under the Public Health Code.
o Transportation, unless otherwise in violation of section 51 of the Michigan Penal Code, relating to confining animals on railroad cars.
o Rodeo exhibitions, state or county fair exhibitions, 4-H programs, and similar exhibitions.
o The slaughter of a covered animal in accordance with applicable law and rules.
o For a gestating sow, the period beginning 7 days before that sow's expected date of giving birth.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would have no fiscal impact.
Legislative Analyst: Josh Roesner
Fiscal Analyst: William E. Hamilton
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.