The article highlights the repeal of Michigan’s “Rat Bounty Law,” originally enacted in 1915 and formally known as The Public Act 50 of 1950, which paid citizens ten cents for each rat head they presented to local officials, provided they brought at least five heads at a time. This quirky law, aimed at controlling rat populations, became obsolete as rodent problems diminished and the administrative burden of handling rat bounty claims grew. The repeal on May 19, 2000, marked a shift away from outdated pest control methods toward more modern approaches.

Additionally, the article touches on Michigan’s broader effort to update its legal code by removing archaic laws that no longer fit contemporary society. It references ongoing discussions about strange and outdated laws still technically on the books, some of which could still lead to arrests despite their obsolescence. This reflects a larger trend of legal modernization to better align laws with current realities and public expectations.