The bill amends the Animal Welfare Fund Act of 2007 by updating definitions and terminology used within the act. Notably, it clarifies that the "Department" refers to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Additionally, the term "qualified veterinarian" is redefined to specify that it refers to an individual licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Michigan, replacing the previous wording of "a person." The bill also updates the reference to state animal anticruelty laws, changing the range of laws from MCL 750.49 to 750.70 to MCL 750.49 to 750.70a, and modifies the reference to section 50(8) of the Michigan penal code to section 50(12).

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions regarding its enactment, stating that it will take effect 90 days after being enacted into law, and it will only take effect if House Bill No. 4031 is also enacted. These changes aim to enhance clarity and ensure that the definitions align with current practices and legal standards in animal welfare.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 287.992