HB 4204 would amend Michigan’s Food Law to update portions of the state’s incorporated food code. The bill makes several technical and substantive changes to food safety rules, including revised requirements for non-continuous cooking of raw animal foods, a clarification that employees must be properly trained in food safety as it relates to their duties, and a new set of conditions under which dogs may be allowed on certain premises. The dog-related provision applies only to “qualified premises” that do not serve food and allows a customer-controlled dog inside if health and sanitation conditions are met.
Under the bill, establishments that qualify must keep the premises free of dog hair and waste, clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, store cleaning equipment separately, dispose of waste daily, and ensure dogs are leashed, unattended, and kept away from food-preparation areas, seats, tabletops, and reusable tableware unless specially designated. The premises may also set space limits, restrict dog size or type, and deny entry or eject customers and dogs. The bill also authorizes the director to adopt future food code updates by rule and treats the food code annexes as persuasive authority for interpretation.
Impact
The bill would amend section 6101 of the Food Law, thereby changing how Michigan incorporates and applies the Food Code. It would affect food establishments, regulators, and employees by updating food handling and training standards, while also creating a new legal framework for allowing dogs in certain non-food-serving licensed premises. The bill is tie-barred to HB 4205, meaning it would not take effect unless that companion bill is enacted.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill was received favorably in committee, as it was reported with recommendation with substitute H-1 on a 12-0 vote. No committee transcript is available, but the bill’s structure indicates an effort to balance expanded flexibility for certain establishments with detailed public health safeguards. Overall, the sentiment appears supportive and pragmatic rather than controversial at the committee stage.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the dog-access provision, which expands where customers may bring dogs while imposing strict sanitation and safety conditions. Supporters would likely emphasize business discretion and consumer accommodation, especially for breweries or similar venues that do not serve food, while opponents may focus on sanitation, allergy concerns, and the risk of inconsistent enforcement. Another possible area of concern is the bill’s reliance on a tie-bar to HB 4205, which makes enactment dependent on companion legislation.
Food: service establishments; outdoor seating at restaurants; allow dogs to be present. Amends secs. 1105, 3113 & 6101 of 2000 PA 92 (MCL 289.1105 et seq.).
Food: milk; sale of raw milk and raw milk products under the food law; allow. Amends secs. 1107, 1109 & 6140 of 2000 PA 92 (MCL 289.1107 et seq.) & adds secs. 4102a & 4102b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5217'25, HB 5218'25
An act to amend Section 7099.2 of, and to add Section 7110.2 to, the Business and Professions Code, to add Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 66360) to Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code, and to amend Sections 113818, 113941, 113953, 114157, 114201, 114259.2, 114271, and 114349 of, and to add Sections 18941.18, 113838, and 114009 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to restaurants.