MI SB0286

Amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to add animal cruelty and animal fighting offenses to the felonies covered under Chapter XVII of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Adds animal fighting crimes (MCL 750.49) and animal cruelty/killing offenses (MCL 750.50, 750.50b, 750.50c) to the sentencing guidelines with felony classifications ranging from Class A (life sentence) to Class H, with statutory maximum sentences from 2 to 15 years.

Modifies offense variable 4 (psychological injury) to add 5 points when a conviction under MCL 750.50b (animal cruelty) causes serious psychological injury requiring professional treatment to a companion animal's owner.

Modifies offense variable 10 (vulnerable victim exploitation) to recognize violation of MCL 750.50b as a form of exploitation when used to manipulate victims for selfish or unethical purposes.

Modifies offense variable 16 (property obtained/damaged/destroyed) to assign points based on the number of animals involved in MCL 750.50 convictions (25+ animals = 25 points; 10-24 animals = 10 points).

Does not take effect unless Senate Bill No. 285 of the 97th Legislature is also enacted into law.