MI HB5780

Requires child protective services (CPS) employees investigating suspected child abuse or neglect to immediately report suspected animal abuse or neglect to an animal control officer or law enforcement officer.

CPS employees must file a written report within 72 hours containing a description of the animal, the abuse or neglect, the owner/keeper's name and address if available, and other information that could assist in establishing the cause of the animal abuse or neglect.

CPS employee identity is confidential and can only be disclosed with consent or by judicial process; employees acting in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability except for negligent acts causing personal injury or death.

A CPS employee who knowingly fails to report suspected animal abuse or neglect is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days imprisonment or a $500 fine, or both.

A CPS employee who knowingly makes a false report of animal abuse or neglect faces penalties ranging from a misdemeanor (up to 93 days imprisonment or $100 fine) to a felony (up to 4 years imprisonment or $2,000 fine), depending on whether the falsely reported conduct would constitute a misdemeanor or felony.

Takes effect 90 days after enactment and is contingent on passage of House Bill 5779.