The bill amends the "Privately Owned Cervidae Producers Marketing Act" to improve the regulation and management of cervidae livestock operations in Michigan. It introduces new definitions, such as "biosecurity," and clarifies the roles of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Natural Resources, ensuring cervidae operations are recognized as part of the agricultural industry. The bill outlines requirements for constructing and operating cervidae facilities, including the submission of a comprehensive business plan detailing biosecurity measures and compliance with zoning ordinances. It mandates timely approval or denial of facility registration applications and establishes protocols for inspections and compliance verification, emphasizing the need for barriers to prevent the escape of cervidae and the entry of wild cervidae.

Additionally, the bill revises the application and registration process, requiring the department to notify applicants of non-compliance within 60 days and allowing for a second inspection without a new application if deficiencies are corrected. It shortens the registration validity from three years to one and introduces fees for applications and inspections. New provisions require applicants to submit modifications for any changes in facility information, with associated fees, and outline penalties for violations, including misdemeanors and felonies for unauthorized releases of cervidae species. The bill also mandates that any cervidae remaining after a flushing process must be killed under a permit, with a reimbursement fee established for each animal, ultimately aiming to enhance regulatory oversight and responsible management of cervidae livestock facilities.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 287.952