Michigan House Advances HB 4254 - MichBio Raises Concerns Over Research & Economic Impacts
On October 30, 2025, the Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee voted 13-0-2 to discharge House Bill 4254. The bill, introduced by Rep. Joseph Aragona (R-60) and co-sponsors, would prohibit public institutions in Michigan from conducting research or training that causes “pain or distress” to dogs.
Proponents, including animal advocacy groups, have framed HB 4254 - informally known as “Queenie’s Law” - as a measure to protect, and essentially prohibit, animals from perceived harmful experimentation at publicly funded institutions.
While the goal of ensuring humane treatment is widely shared, the bill’s language has raised serious concerns among Michigan’s research community. MichBio, the state’s biosciences industry association representing research universities and companies, has reiterated its opposition to HB 4254 as written, citing its potential to undermine medical progress, disrupt research operations, and harm Michigan’s competitiveness in the life sciences sector.
MichBio notes that Michigan already operates under one of the nation’s most rigorous frameworks for animal welfare and research oversight. Federal and state laws - including the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, and mandatory Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) - set strict standards for humane care, veterinary supervision, pain management, and ethical review. These requirements are further reinforced by voluntary adherence to accreditation programs such as AAALAC International. According to MichBio and other research leaders, HB 4254 would not enhance these protections but instead create confusion and redundancy by imposing state-level restrictions that conflict with established federal regulations.
In testimony to the House Committee, MichBio President and CEO Stephen Rapundalo warned that the bill could have a chilling effect on Michigan’s biomedical research and innovation ecosystem. Critical studies - such as those conducted at Wayne State University in cardiovascular medicine - could be stalled or relocated to other states or countries with fewer safeguards, jeopardizing years of progress in areas like heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic conditions, and medical device development. The result could be delayed breakthroughs, lost funding opportunities, and a diminished role for Michigan in advancing life-saving science.
Industry partners echoed these concerns in separate communications to legislative officials. They emphasized that the proposed legislation duplicates existing federal oversight, introduces regulatory ambiguity, and risks discouraging essential research that ensures the safety and efficacy of human and animal therapeutics.
Beyond the research implications, the bill could have broad economic consequences. Michigan’s biosciences sector supports thousands of high-skill jobs and drives billions in economic activity through research grants, private investment, and partnerships. If HB 4254 were enacted without modification, public universities and affiliated research centers could face compliance uncertainty, reduced competitiveness for federal funding, and the potential relocation of programs and talent to other states.
MichBio has underscored that it shares legislators’ commitment to ethical and humane research practices and stands ready to collaborate on thoughtful revisions to HB 4254. The association has invited Chair Aragona and committee members to work with Michigan’s research community to craft language that safeguards animal welfare while preserving the ability to conduct scientifically essential and ethically regulated studies.
As the bill moves to the House Rules Committee and ultimately, the House Floor, MichBio will continue to advocate for evidence-based policymaking that balances compassion for animals with Michigan’s long-standing leadership in innovation, discovery, and medical advancement.
We will continue to monitor this legislation closely and provide updates. Member institutions and companies that conduct or partner in preclinical research, or that rely on Michigan’s research infrastructure, are encouraged to engage with MichBio to share their perspectives and learn about possible advocacy opportunities.
If you have questions, would like to weigh in, or wish to coordinate with MichBio, please contact stephen@michbio.org.
