The House Regulatory Reform Committee voted to report House Bill 50 92 with recommendation after hearing testimony from the bill sponsor's staff and officials from Michigan zoos. The measure would amend Michigan’s Large Carnivore Act to clarify eligibility for state-issued breeding licenses by tying eligibility to holding a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Class C license that has been maintained in good standing for the previous five years.

Supporters told the committee the change is intended to align state rules with federal standards and avoid unintended barriers to accredited zoos participating in multi-institution breeding programs. Stone Kelly, legislative director for Representative Matthew Bierlein, testified in support and described the bill as removing “unnecessary red tape” and giving accredited institutions predictability to continue conservation work.

Committee members heard examples from zoo officials about how current law can create unintended consequences. Amanda Hanlon, chief of staff for the Detroit Zoological Society, said the Detroit Zoo received a USDA critical citation after a raccoon breached an aviary in August 2024; the zoo reported the incident and completed corrective repairs, but the citation could affect its eligibility for state breeding permits when its polar bear and lion permits expire in January 2026. Andy McIntyre, chief operating officer of John Ball Zoo, described a 2023 incident involving a pygmy hippo and sitatunga that led to a critical citation despite subsequent corrective actions and multiple clean USDA inspections.

Proponents told the committee the substitute language would require a facility to have had no USDA suspensions, revocations, or cease-and-desist orders in the previous five years while preserving prohibitions on irresponsible ownership. Supporters also said the change reflects the Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 and the USDA’s evolving inspection and citation practices.

Representative Linting moved to report the bill with recommendation. The clerk recorded the roll call and the motion carried: 13 yeas, 0 nays, 0 passed. The committee recorded the motion as prevailing.

Supporters asked for prompt consideration because the Detroit Zoo and John Ball Zoo have breeding permits that will expire in early 2026. No formal amendments to the bill were recorded in this hearing.

House Bill 50 92 will move from the committee with the committee’s recommendation for further consideration by the House.

Ending: The committee did not schedule final floor action in this hearing; the bill was reported to the next legislative step with the committee’s recommendation.