HB 5525 Michigan House · 2023-2024 Regular Session

Civil procedure: civil actions; remedies for harm, injury, or death of a service animal; provide for. Amends 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.101 - 600.9947) by adding sec. 2980.

This bill adds a new section to Michigan's civil procedure laws to allow owners or handlers of service animals to sue for damages if their animal is injured or killed by another person or animal. It establishes that liability applies regardless of whether the harm was caused intentionally, recklessly, or through negligence, though it excludes licensed veterinarians from this liability when they are performing veterinary duties. The law permits the recovery of various costs, including mental anguish, the value of the animal and its equipment, veterinary bills, retraining expenses, and the cost of replacing the animal. Additionally, the bill allows for punitive damages in cases of intentional or reckless conduct and covers attorney fees and court costs for the plaintiff.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2024 Last action Dec 11, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
1
Committee
4
Dec 11, 2024
Committee
referred to second reading
lower
Dec 11, 2024
Lower · Passed
reported with recommendation with substitute (H-2)
lower
Feb 28, 2024
Committee
per Rule 41 referred to Committee on Judiciary
lower
Feb 27, 2024
Committee
referred to Committee on Regulatory Reform
lower
Feb 27, 2024
Introduced
introduced by Representative Veronica Paiz
lower
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors