2006 Senate Bill 1185 / Public Act 312

Ban lawsuits in cases of legitimate self defense

Introduced in the Senate

March 22, 2006

Introduced by Sen. Ron Jelinek (R-21)

To establish that a person may not be sued for using deadly force for self defense in his or her home, contiguous private property or occupied vehicle, as specified by House Bill 5143 and 5153.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

May 18, 2006

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

June 6, 2006

Substitute offered

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

The substitute passed by voice vote

June 7, 2006

Amendment offered by Sen. Gretchen Whitmer (D-23)

To give a court discretion on whether to award attorney fees and costs to a person sued by an injured home intruder, rather than require the court order the plaintiff to pay the defendant's fees and costs (change "shall" to "may").

The amendment failed 14 to 24 (details)

Amendment offered by Sen. Samuel B. Thomas (D-4)

To not name the main bill in the package the "Dr. Ossian Sweet Self Defense Act".

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 28 to 10 (details)

To establish that a person may not be sued for using deadly force for self defense in his or her home, contiguous private property or occupied vehicle, as specified by House Bills 5142, 5143, 5153, 5548 and Senate Bill 1046.

Received in the House

June 7, 2006

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

June 14, 2006

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

June 27, 2006

Passed in the House 90 to 17 (details)

To establish that a person may not be sued for using deadly force for self defense in his or her home, contiguous private property or occupied vehicle, as specified by House Bills 5142, 5143, 5153, 5548 and Senate Bill 1046.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

July 18, 2006