The Michigan House approved House Bill 5092, a measure that updates provisions in the Large Carnivore Act to base a facility’s breeding‑license eligibility on its specific record with those large carnivores rather than unrelated technical violations.

Representative Fitzgerald, speaking in support, said the change ensures enforcement focuses on matters directly related to animal welfare and public safety rather than “technical citations involving another species or another enclosure.” Fitzgerald highlighted accredited zoos such as John Ball Zoo as community assets that support conservation and education.

Representative Bierlein also supported the bill, arguing the bill would remove “unnecessary hurdles” that could prevent responsible facilities from participating in conservation breeding programs.

On a recorded roll call, the Clerk announced 104 aye votes and 2 nay votes. A majority was achieved, the bill passed, and the House ordered immediate effect.

The bill’s backers described the change as narrow and targeted to clarify enforcement standards rather than to alter animal‑welfare obligations; no appropriations or fiscal details were discussed on the floor.