HB 4863 Summary

• Amends Michigan's criminal sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.12m) to add felony offenses related to agricultural crimes enumerated in chapters 285-289 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

• Adds 11 new agricultural felonies to the sentencing guidelines table, including violations under the Grain Dealers Act, Michigan Family Farm Development Act, organic products regulations, animal industry regulations, and food safety laws.

• Establishes sentencing classifications ranging from Class C (15-year maximum for dangerous animal causing death) to Class H (1-year maximum for dead animal violations).

• Tied to the enactment of HB 4861, HB 4862, and HB 4864; this bill does not take effect unless all three companion bills are also enacted into law.

• Introduced June 20, 2013 by Representatives McBroom, Bumstead, Daley, Dianda, Foster, MacMaster, Lyons, Somerville, and Walsh; referred to the Committee on Agriculture.