HB 5239 Summary

• Creates the Michigan Equine Commission within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, consisting of 11 members appointed by the governor representing various equine industry segments, veterinarians, feed manufacturers, and the general equine community.

• Imposes assessments of $5.00 per ton of horse feed sold by licensed manufacturers and $3.00 per Coggins test administered by licensed veterinarians, with quarterly collection and remittance to the commission.

• Authorizes the commission to develop equine promotion programs, conduct education and research initiatives, and maintain an audited financial account; permits use of up to 33% of assessments for administrative expenses.

• Establishes enforcement mechanisms including director investigation of non-compliance, interest charges of 1% monthly on late payments, and misdemeanor penalties of up to $1,000 per day for violations.

• Requires commission renewal through referendum after 5 years of operation or upon petition of 2,500 affected equine owners; commission terminates if more than 50% of affected owners paying over 50% of assessments vote for termination.