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.
Impact
The implementation of SB 866 would significantly enhance the rights of service animal owners by providing them with a legal basis to seek compensation for distress and financial losses associated with harm to their animals. The bill expands the definition of damages to include a broad range of economic and noneconomic factors, therefore promoting the welfare of service animals and their owners. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of service animals in supporting individuals with disabilities, and by safeguarding these animals, the law acknowledges their critical role in facilitating autonomy and independence for their handlers.
Summary
Senate Bill 866 aims to amend the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 in Michigan by establishing clear legal frameworks regarding the liability of individuals for harm caused to service animals. Under this bill, any person who injures a service animal, whether intentionally or negligently, can be held liable for various types of damages. This includes both economic damages, such as the cost of care for the service animal and the value of the animal if it is lost or no longer able to perform its tasks, and noneconomic damages, such as mental anguish or loss of companionship experienced by the owner.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support from advocates for service animals, there may be points of contention surrounding compensation limits and the definition of service animals. Critics might argue that imposing liability could unintentionally discourage pet ownership or create a burden on individuals who accidentally harm service animals. Additionally, there could be discussions regarding the classification of service animals, particularly in light of varying definitions and standards across different types of assistance animals. This aspect could provoke debate about the scope of the law and whether it adequately protects all individuals who rely on animals for aid.
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.
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.
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.
Civil procedure: civil actions; storage of firearms; provide civil liability for improper storage. Amends 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.101 - 600.9947) by adding secs. 2980 & 2981. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4144'23
Civil procedure: civil actions; civil action for making a false representation in assisted reproduction; provide for. Amends 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.101 - 600.9947) by adding sec. 2980. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5036'25
Civil procedure: civil actions; civil action for making a false representation in assisted reproduction; provide for. Amends 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.101 - 600.9947) by adding sec. 2980. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4178'23
Civil procedure: other; use of civil processes against a person that provides reproductive health services; limit, and create a cause of action for the right to obtain reproductive health services. Amends sec. 2203 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2203) & adds secs. 1459, 2170, 2203a & 2980.
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).
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).