Civil procedure: civil actions; immunity from civil action for individual who uses force in compliance with self-defense act; provide for. Amends secs. 2922b & 2922c of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2922b & 600.2922c).
Take action
Take a stance or write a position on this measure.
Create an account to take a stance, submit a written position, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill clarifies that an individual who uses force in self-defense or to defend another person, as outlined in the Self-Defense Act, is immune from civil lawsuits for damages resulting from that force. It establishes a process for determining immunity, including considering grand jury decisions, prosecutorial decisions, and court rulings related to criminal charges. The bill also provides for the recovery of attorney fees and court costs in cases where immunity is established.
Key provisions
- Individuals using force in self-defense are immune from civil liability.
- The immunity applies to the individual who used force and those claiming damages on their behalf.
- A presumption of immunity exists if a grand jury declines to indict, a prosecutor declines to file charges, or a warrant is refused.
- Acquittal or dismissal of criminal charges related to the use of force also establishes immunity.
- The court may award attorney fees and court costs to an individual found immune.
- The bill applies only to civil actions that arise on or after September 1, 2025.
Who is affected
- Individuals who use self-defense
- Potential plaintiffs in civil lawsuits
- Defendants in civil lawsuits alleging self-defense
- Attorneys
- Courts
Notable changes
- Expands immunity for individuals using force in self-defense under the Self-Defense Act.
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Document of record
- Version
- Senate Introduced Bill
- Published
- Not published in the source record
This version is published only as a document. Open the viewer to read it here, or download the file.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
No sponsors are on record.
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours