HB 6601 Summary

• Establishes the Michigan Equine Commission, an 11-member body appointed by the governor from nominees submitted by Michigan equine organizations, with members serving 3-year terms and representing various industry segments including horse shows, racing, trail riding, education, veterinary medicine, and feed industry.

• Imposes assessments of $5.00 per ton of horse feed sold in Michigan and $3.00 per Coggins test (equine infectious anemia test) administered, collected and remitted quarterly by licensed feed manufacturers, distributors, and veterinarians.

• Requires the commission to be self-supporting and may use no more than 33% of assessments for administrative expenses, with remaining funds used for equine industry promotion, education, research, and development.

• Allows the commission to be terminated after 5 years of operation if more than 50% of affected equine owners paying more than 50% of assessments vote for termination, either through mandatory referendum or upon petition by 2,500 equine owners.

• Establishes enforcement mechanisms including investigation of non-compliance with assessment collection, civil litigation to recover unpaid assessments with court costs awarded to prevailing party, and criminal penalties up to $1,000 per day for violations.