Food: other; licensing of butter graders; eliminate. Amends sec. 157 of 2001 PA 267 (MCL 288.717).
HB 4917 removes a requirement that only state-approved graders may grade butter under Michigan's Manufacturing Milk Law. This change directly affects butter graders who previously needed state licensing to perform grading services. The bill deletes Section 157(1) of the law, which mandated department approval for graders, while keeping existing grading standards (based on federal regulations) intact. Dairy businesses and graders will no longer need to comply with the state licensing rule for butter grading.
Bill status
passed both
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2025
Committee Review
Dec 2025
House Passage
Dec 2025
Senate Passage
Dec 2025
Governor
Introduced Sep 11, 2025
Last action Dec 16, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
House Introduced Bill
→
As Passed by the House
·
1 edit
·
Dec 10, 2025
MINOR
The bill was amended to add the phrase 'may be approved by the department' to the definition of grading factors, clarifying that the department has discretion to approve additional factors beyond the standard list. This change expands the regulatory flexibility for the department when evaluating butter quality standards.
Scope change
The scope of grading authority was expanded to allow the department to approve additional factors beyond the fixed list of flavor, aroma, body, texture, color, salt, and package.
DEFINITION
Added language allowing the department to approve additional factors for butter grading beyond the standard examination criteria.
Floor votes · House Dec 10, 2025
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
13
Key actions
3
Committee
4
Dec 16, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON REGULATORY AFFAIRS
upper
Dec 16, 2025
Upper · Passed
PASSED BY HOUSE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
upper
Dec 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
passed; given immediate effect Roll Call #321 Yeas 69 Nays 29 Excused 0 Not Voting 12
lower
Nov 13, 2025
Committee
referred to second reading
lower
Nov 13, 2025
Lower · Passed
reported with recommendation without amendment
lower
Sep 11, 2025
Committee
referred to Committee on Agriculture
lower
Sep 11, 2025
Introduced
introduced by Representative Rep. Rachelle Smit
lower
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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