2012 Senate Bill 1240 / Public Act 590

Extend lawsuit liability waivers to certain social services agencies

Introduced in the Senate

Sept. 11, 2012

Introduced by Sen. Dave Hildenbrand (R-29)

To give social services agencies licensed to oversee child adoptions, foster care and other child care issues immunity from liability for personal injury or property damage caused by the agency's provision of services, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Referred to the Committee on Families, Seniors, and Human Services

Oct. 17, 2012

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Nov. 28, 2012

Passed in the Senate 25 to 13 (details)

Received in the House

Nov. 28, 2012

Referred to the Committee on Families, Children and Seniors

Dec. 4, 2012

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 11, 2012

Substitute offered

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Dian Slavens (D-21)

To only extend immunity from liability under very narrow circumstances specified in the amendment.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Barb Byrum (D-67)

Link this bill to passage of House Bill 4520, which would classify as first degree murder the act of intentionally discharging a firearm at an occupied building when this causes death (as in a “drive-by” shooting).

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Kenneth Kurtz (R-58)

To spell out which social service agencies are covered by the bill to include a "child welfare residential or home-based program, a program involving foster care coordination including adoption activities, a respite care program, or behavioral health or early education services operating under contract and as an agent for the department of human services".

The amendment passed by voice vote

Dec. 12, 2012

Passed in the House 63 to 46 (details)

To give social services agencies licensed to oversee child adoptions, foster care and other child care issues immunity from liability for personal injury or property damage caused by the agency's provision of services, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 13, 2012

Passed in the Senate 20 to 17 (details)

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 31, 2012