2011 House Bill 4231 / Public Act 61

Authorize enforceable children sports liability waivers

Introduced in the House

Feb. 10, 2011

Introduced by Rep. John Walsh (R-19)

To explicitly state in statute that a parent or guardian of a minor who participates in sports or a recreational activity may release the organizer, sponsor or property owner in advance from liability for economic or noneconomic damages for injuries sustained by the minor. A recent Court of Appeals decision (Woodman v. Kera) determined that parents do not have the right to waive liability for their children.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

March 3, 2011

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the following amendment be adopted and that the bill then pass.

March 16, 2011

Passed in the House 110 to 0 (details)

Received in the Senate

March 17, 2011

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

May 5, 2011

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S­1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 31, 2011

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

June 1, 2011

Passed in the Senate 38 to 0 (details)

To explicitly state in statute that a parent or guardian of a minor who participates in sports or a recreational activity may release the organizer, sponsor or property owner in advance from liability for economic or noneconomic damages for injuries sustained by the minor. A recent Court of Appeals decision (Woodman v. Kera) determined that parents do not have the right to waive liability for their children.

Received in the House

June 1, 2011

June 7, 2011

Passed in the House 109 to 0 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

June 21, 2011