The bill amends the Michigan Right to Farm Act by updating the procedures for investigating complaints related to farm operations. It mandates that the director must investigate all complaints regarding various issues such as manure use, air pollution, and pest infestations, and conduct an on-site inspection within 7 business days of receiving a complaint. The bill also requires the director to notify local authorities of any complaints and to work in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to address environmental complaints. Additionally, if a farm is found to be using generally accepted agricultural practices, the director must inform the complainant and local authorities of this finding.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions for the rearing of egg-laying hens in residential areas, specifying that properties must be at least 1/4 acre and limiting the number of hens to 5 per 1/4 acre or a total of 25 hens. It also establishes a timeline for the commission to issue and adopt generally accepted agricultural practices for this purpose by October 1, 2025. The bill includes a provision that allows the director to charge complainants for investigation costs if they submit more than three unverified complaints against the same farm within three years. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding agricultural practices while balancing the interests of farmers and local communities.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 286.474