OUTDOOR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS; ALLOW DOGS S.B. 200:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 200 (as reported without amendment)
Committee: Economic and Community Development
OUTDOOR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS; ALLOW DOGS S.B. 200:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 200 (as reported without amendment)
Committee: Economic and Community Development
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Food Law to allow a customer’s non-service, non-police dog to accompany the customer into the outdoor area of a food establishment under certain circumstances.
BRIEF RATIONALE
Reportedly, many restaurants allow dogs in outdoor seating areas; however, Michigan law prohibits this. Testimony before the Senate Committee on Economic and Community Development indicates that restaurant owners may not realize they are breaking the law until the local health department notifies them as such. Others may not care. Accordingly, to alleviate confusion, it has been suggested that the State allow restaurants to decide whether to allow dogs in outdoor dining spaces.
Legislative Analyst: Abby Schneider
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no significant fiscal on the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and local governments. There would be some time and effort required to review procedures and provide education on the bill’s provisions for MDARD and local health departments.
Date Completed: 11-14-25 Fiscal Analyst: Bruce R. Baker
Bobby Canell
floor\sb200 Bill Analysis @ www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.