Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for killing or causing serious physical harm to a police dog, police horse, or a search and rescue dog; modify. Amends sec. 16b, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.16b). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4732'25

HB 4738 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to increase penalties for harming specific working animals used by law enforcement. The bill directly affects individuals who kill or cause serious physical harm to police dogs, police horses, or search and rescue dogs. It would modify existing sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.16b) to establish stricter penalties for these offenses, treating them as more severe crimes. This change would apply to all such incidents occurring in Michigan, with sentencing adjustments to reflect the heightened risk to public safety and law enforcement operations. The bill was introduced on July 15, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.