LANSING, Mich. – Newly passed legislation in Michigan will require egg-laying hens in the state to be housed in cage-free systems before 2025. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist signed the legislation – Senate Bill 174 – on Nov. 21. In addition, non-cage-free eggs will not be allowed to be sold in Michigan starting in 2025.

Similar legislation has been passed in Massachusetts, California, Washington and Oregon.

“Countless individuals and groups in Michigan worked tirelessly to advance this significant legislation, including the governor’s office, lawmakers from both parties, thoughtful members of the agricultural sector and Michigan’s huge community of animal advocates,” says Josh Balk, vice president of farm animal protection for the Humane Society of the United States. “With Michigan joining the list of states banning the extreme confinement of hens, the total transformation of the egg industry is well underway."